Author Question: The nurse realizes that a medication error has been made. The nurse then reports the error and takes ... (Read 59 times)

Charlie · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse realizes that a medication error has been made. The nurse then reports the error and takes responsibility to ensure patient safety despite personal consequences. This nurse has exhibited:

a. autonomy.
b. accountability.
c. justice.
d. advocacy.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient recently diagnosed with cancer that is being asked to participate in a new chemotherapy trial. How would the nurse respond if working under the ethical principle of utilitarianism?

a. The patient should be allowed to decide.
b. As your nurse, I'll support your right to refuse.
c. You should do this because many could benefit from it.
d. If this is against your beliefs, you should not do it.

lgoldst9 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Accountability is the willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions. Autonomy, or self-determination, is the freedom to make decisions supported by knowledge and self-confidence. Supporting or promoting the interests of others or doing so for a cause greater than oneself defines advocacy. To do justice is to act fairly and equitably.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Compared with deontology, utilitarianism is on the opposite end of the ethical theory continuum. Utilitarianism maintains that behaviors are determined to be right or wrong solely on the basis of their consequences. Deontology is an ethical theory that stresses the rightness or wrongness of individual behaviors, duties, and obligations without concern for the consequences of specific actions. Meeting the needs of patients while maintaining their right to privacy, confidentiality, autonomy, and dignity is consistent with the tenets of deontology. Autonomy, or self-determination, is the freedom to make decisions supported by knowledge and self-confidence. The remaining responses are examples of either deontology or autonomy.