Ethical and Legal Considerations in Chronic Illness Care
Ethical and Legal Considerations in Chronic Illness Care ( 4 Questions)
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.