Ethical and Legal Issues Related to Pain Management in Children
Ethical and Legal Issues Related to Pain Management in Children ( 25 Questions)
The nurse is contemplating the use of analgesia to alleviate the child's suffering.
The nurse is aware that decisions concerning analgesia involve a delicate balance between managing the child's pain and the potential risks and side effects associated with pain relief medications.
Which of the following statements best reflects the ethical dilemma faced by the nurse in this situation?
Expressing concerns about the adverse effects of pain relief medications on the child's overall health is a valid ethical consideration. However, it doesn't fully capture the balance between pain relief and potential side effects. The primary focus should be on pain management.
This choice accurately reflects the ethical dilemma faced by the nurse. It acknowledges the importance of pain relief while expressing concerns about potential risks and side effects. Balancing the child's pain relief needs with the potential risks is a crucial aspect of ethical decision-making in this situation.
Suggesting that the child should endure pain without medications to avoid complications does not align with the principles of ethical nursing practice. It's important to alleviate pain when possible, provided the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Indicating uncertainty about pain management options is a valid concern, but it doesn't address the balance between pain relief and potential side effects. The ethical dilemma faced by the nurse involves making decisions within this context.
I believe it's crucial to alleviate the child's pain, but I'm concerned about the potential risks and side effects of the analgesia.”..
Choice A rationale:
Expressing concerns about the adverse effects of pain relief medications on the child's overall health is a valid ethical consideration.
However, it doesn't fully capture the balance between pain relief and potential side effects.
The primary focus should be on pain management.
Choice B rationale:
This choice accurately reflects the ethical dilemma faced by the nurse.
It acknowledges the importance of pain relief while expressing concerns about potential risks and side effects.
Balancing the child's pain relief needs with the potential risks is a crucial aspect of ethical decision-making in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
Suggesting that the child should endure pain without medications to avoid complications does not align with the principles of ethical nursing practice.
It's important to alleviate pain when possible, provided the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Choice D rationale:
Indicating uncertainty about pain management options is a valid concern, but it doesn't address the balance between pain relief and potential side effects.
The ethical dilemma faced by the nurse involves making decisions within this context.