Which patient is most in need of a nurse's referral to adoption ...

[09madisonrousseau09]

Which patient is most in need of a nurse's referral to adoption services?
 
  a. A woman considering abortion for an unwanted pregnancy
  b. An infertile couple religiously opposed to artificial insemination
  c. A woman who suffered miscarriage during her first pregnancy
  d. An infertile couple who has been attempting conception for 3 months

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient who expresses a desire to have an elective abortion. The nurse's religious and ethical values are strongly opposed. How should the nurse best handle the situation?
 
  a. Attempt to educate the patient about the consequences of abortion.
  b. Refer the patient to a family planning center or another health professional.
  c. Continue to care for the patient, and limit conversation as much as possible.
  d. Inform the patient that, because of immoral issues, another nurse will have to care for her.

[bigsis44]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Adoption is an option for someone with infertility, especially if infertility treatments are unavailable owing to religious or financial constraints. A patient who wishes to have an elective abortion may be educated about all the possibilities, but the nurse should approach the patient in a nonjudgmental manner and should accept the patient's decision. When a patient has recently miscarried, the nurse should assess the patient's feelings about the loss and should address any concerns the patient may have about fertility. Infertility is the inability to conceive after 1 year of unprotected intercourse; therefore, talking about adoption after one miscarriage or after only 3 months of attempting conception would be too soon.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The nurse must be aware of personal beliefs and values and is not required to participate in counseling or procedures that compromise those values. However, the patient is entitled to nonjudgmental care and should be referred to someone who can create a trusting environment. The nurse should not care for a patient if the quality of care could be jeopardized. The nurse should not attempt to push personal values onto a patient. The nurse also should not create tension by informing the patient that he or she does not have the same morals; this could cause the patient to feel guilty or defensive when receiving care from any health care professional.