Ethical and Legal Considerations in Chronic Illness Care
Ethical and Legal Considerations in Chronic Illness Care ( 4 Questions)
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?
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.
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.
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.
This option is respectful and supportive, but it is also unnecessary and potentially harmful
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