Author Question: A terminally ill client, in severe pain, asks a nurse to help her die. What must the nurse consider ... (Read 73 times)

nmorano1 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A terminally ill client, in severe pain, asks a nurse to help her die. What must the nurse consider morally, ethically, and professionally before answering the client?

A) ANA Code for Nurses, ethical and professional standards
B) Own personal moral and ethical values and standards
C) Hospital or agency procedures and protocols
D) Medical Code of Ethics, belief in active euthanasia

Question 2

Which of the following persons is responsible for handling and filing a death certificate with proper authorities?

A) Mortician
B) Physician
C) Nurse
D) Hospital administrator

jazzlynnnnn · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
The ANA Code of Ethics, the ethical traditions and goals of the nursing profession, and nursing's covenant with society, all affirm that it is a violation for nurses to participate in assisting in a suicide and active euthanasia (assisting a client to die).

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
U.S. law requires that a death certificate be prepared for each person who dies. The law specifies what information needs to be supplied. Death certificates are sent to local health departments, which compile many statistics from the information. The mortician assumes responsibility for handling and filing the death certificate with proper authorities. A physician's signature is required on the certificate, as well as that of the pathologist, the coroner, and others in special cases. The nurse's responsibility is to ensure that the physician has signed a death certificate.