Author Question: The nurse finds it difficult to care for a patient whose advance directive states that no ... (Read 79 times)

OSWALD · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse finds it difficult to care for a patient whose advance directive states that no extraordinary resuscitation measures should be taken. Which step may help the nurse to find resolution in this assignment?

a. Scrutinize personal values.
b. Call for an ethical committee consult.
c. Decline the assignment on religious grounds.
d. Convince the family to challenge the directive.

Question 2

The nurse questions a health care provider's decision to not tell the patient about a cancer diagnosis. Which ethical principle is the nurse trying to uphold for the patient?

a. Consequentialism
b. Autonomy
c. Fidelity
d. Justice

lin77x · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Clarifying valuesyour own, your patients', your co-workers'is an important and effective part of ethical discourse. Calling for a consult, declining the assignment, and convincing the family to challenge the patient's directive are not ideal resolutions because they do not address the reason for the nurse's discomfort, which is the conflict between the nurse's values and those of the patient. The nurse should value the patient's decisions over the nurse's personal values.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The nurse is upholding autonomy. Autonomy refers to the freedom to make decisions free of external control. Respect for patient autonomy refers to the commitment to include patients in decisions about all aspects of care. Consequentialism is focused on the outcome and is a philosophical approach. Justice refers to fairness and is most often used in discussions about access to health care resources. Fidelity refers to the agreement to keep promises.