Care of Patients with Chronic Illnesses > Fundamentals
Exam Review
Ethical and Legal Considerations in Chronic Illness Care
Total Questions : 4
Showing 4 questions, Sign in for more A nurse is caring for a client who has terminal cancer and has expressed a wish to die at home. The client's family members are reluctant to honor this wish and insist that the client should stay in the hospital. What is the best action for the nurse to take in this situation?
Explanation
The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and right to self-determination, but also acknowledge the family's concerns and emotions. Referring the client and the family to a palliative care team can help to facilitate communication, provide education, address psychosocial and spiritual needs, and coordinate care options that are acceptable to both parties.
Incorrect options:
A) Respect the client's autonomy and advocate for their preference to die at home. - This option may seem respectful, but it does not consider the family's perspective or provide any support or guidance for them. The nurse should not act as a mediator or arbitrator between the client and the family, but rather involve a multidisciplinary team that can address their needs holistically.
B) Explain to the client that dying at home is not feasible and persuade them to stay in the hospital. - This option is disrespectful and paternalistic, as it disregards the client's wishes and imposes the nurse's own judgment on them. The nurse should not assume that dying at home is not feasible, as there may be resources and services available to assist with home-based palliative care. The nurse should also not coerce or manipulate the client into changing their decision, as this violates their autonomy and dignity.
D) Ask the client to reconsider their decision and respect the family's wishes. - This option is also disrespectful and paternalistic, as it implies that the client's decision is wrong or irrational, and that the family's wishes are more important or valid. The nurse should not pressure or guilt-trip the client into complying with the family's preferences, as this undermines their autonomy and dignity.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has signed a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order and has requested no further interventions for their condition. The client develops acute respiratory distress and asks the nurse for help. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
Explanation
The nurse should respect the client's DNR order, which means that they do not want CPR or other life-sustaining measures in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest. However, this does not mean that they do not want any treatment or comfort care for their condition. The nurse should provide palliative interventions, such as oxygen and morphine, to relieve the client's symptoms and suffering.
Incorrect options:
A) "I'm sorry, but you have signed a DNR order, so I cannot do anything for you." - This option is insensitive and unethical, as it implies that the nurse has abandoned the client and does not care about their well-being. The nurse has a duty to provide compassionate care to all clients, regardless of their code status or prognosis.
B) "I will call your doctor and see if they can change your DNR order." - This option is inappropriate and unethical, as it disregards the client's wishes and autonomy. The nurse should not attempt to change or revoke the client's DNR order without their consent, unless there is evidence of a change of mind or new information that may affect their decision.
D) "I will initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you stop breathing." - This option is inappropriate and unethical, as it violates the client's DNR order and autonomy. The nurse should not perform CPR or other life-sustaining measures on a client who has explicitly refused them, unless there is evidence of a change of mind or new information that may affect their decision.
A nurse is conducting a home visit for a client who has diabetes mellitus type 2. The nurse observes that the client has several empty bottles of soda, candy wrappers, and fast food containers in their kitchen. The nurse also notes that the client has poor foot hygiene and several ulcers on their toes. What is the most ethical way for the nurse to address these issues with the client?
Explanation
The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and right to self-determination, but also encourage them to take responsibility for their health and well-being. The nurse should use a client-centered and motivational approach, which involves asking open-ended questions, expressing empathy, and exploring the client's feelings, beliefs, and goals. This can help to elicit the client's own reasons for change and enhance their readiness and confidence.
Incorrect options:
A) "You are not taking good care of yourself. You need to follow a healthy diet and check your feet every day." - This option is judgmental and authoritarian, as it criticizes the client's behavior and tells them what to do. The nurse should not use blame, shame, or guilt to influence the client's decisions, as this can damage the therapeutic relationship and increase the client's resistance and defensiveness.
B) "You are putting yourself at risk of serious complications. You should stop drinking soda, eating candy, and ordering fast food." - This option is fear-based and prescriptive, as it warns the client of the negative consequences of their behavior and gives them specific instructions. The nurse should not use scare tactics or coercion to influence the client's decisions, as this can undermine the client's autonomy and dignity.
C) "You have the right to make your own choices, but I am concerned about your health. Can we talk about your diet and foot care?" - This option is respectful and caring, but it is also somewhat passive and vague. The nurse should not use a but-statement, as this can negate or diminish the first part of the sentence. The nurse should also be more specific and direct in addressing the issues with the client, rather than asking for permission or implying a request.
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been informed that they need dialysis to maintain their renal function. The client refuses dialysis and states that they want to die naturally. The client's spouse disagrees with this decision and urges the nurse to convince the client to accept dialysis. What is the most legal way for the nurse to handle this situation?
Explanation
The nurse should respect the client's right to refuse treatment, as long as they are competent, informed, and voluntary in making their decision. The nurse should inform the spouse of this right and explain that it is a legal obligation to honor the client's wishes. The nurse should also provide emotional support and education to both parties, but not interfere with or influence their decision.
Incorrect options:
B) Inform the client that dialysis is the only option to prolong their life and that their decision will affect their spouse. - This option is inappropriate and unethical, as it disregards the client's wishes and autonomy. The nurse should not pressure or manipulate the client into accepting treatment by using false or exaggerated information or appealing to their emotions.
C) Inform both parties that dialysis is a standard of care for CKD and that they should consult a lawyer before making a final decision. - This option is irrelevant and unhelpful, as it does not address the ethical or legal aspects of the situation. The nurse should not imply that dialysis is mandatory or superior to other options, as this may bias or confuse the parties. The nurse should also not suggest legal action or involvement, as this may escalate or complicate the situation.
D) Inform both parties that dialysis is a personal choice and that they should seek counseling or mediation before making a final decision. - This option is respectful and supportive, but it is also unnecessary and potentially harmful
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