A patient is prescribed medication for the treatment of cancer. The nurse is concerned that administering this medication may have a harmful effect on the patient. Which conditions would help the nurse decide that it is ethical to administer the medication through the application of the concept of double effect?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.
◦ The medication has been proven effective in the treatment of cancer.
◦ The nurse is administering the medication to achieve treatment of the cancer.
◦ The harmful effect must not occur in order for the medication to be successful in treating the cancer.
◦ The benefits of using this medication are more likely to occur than are the undesired actions of the medication.
◦ The patient must agree to accept the possibility of undesired effects of the medication.
The reminder card should be completed and handed to the patient after the appointment is scheduled.
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