Chapter 7 Ethical Issues in Critical Care Nursing

Chapter 7  Ethical Issues in Critical Care Nursing

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

1.
The physician has just told a patient that he has stage 4 lung cancer and likely has only months to live. After the physician leaves, the patient, who is visibly shaken, asks the nurse, “Couldn’t the doctor be wrong? Is it really that bad?” The nurse explains to him that, although there is no way to know for certain how the disease will progress, the stage of his lung cancer is the most serious. The nurse also indicates that the cancer has spread to other organs in his body, meaning that the odds of recovery are not good. The patient then asks that the nurse not tell his wife, who is in the waiting room, about the diagnosis just yet. Later the patient’s wife enters the room and, seeing that he is asleep, asks the nurse if there is any update on the patient’s condition. The nurse explains that the doctor talked to the patient earlier and that the patient can provide details once he wakes up. Which ethical principle or principles has the nurse exercised in this situation? Select all that apply.
A)
Justice
B)
Fidelity
C)
Veracity
D)
Nonmaleficence

2.
Before administering a new medication to a patient, the nurse explains to her the adverse effects she may experience as a result of the medication and asks whether the patient has any questions about the medication. When the patient indicates that she understands the risks involved, the nurse has her sign a document and proceeds with the treatment. The nurse’s action is an example of which of the following?
A)
Obtaining informed consent
B)
Ensuring confidentiality
C)
Observing the principle of nonmaleficence
D)
Acting with fairness

3.
A patient is at severe risk of forming life-threatening clots in his thoracic region following surgery. The physician has prescribed an anticoagulant medication. The patient has had a negative experience with anticoagulants in the past and refuses the medication. Which two ethical principles are in conflict with each other in this situation?
A)
Fidelity vs. justice
B)
Maleficence vs. beneficence
C)
Veracity vs. autonomy
D)
Beneficence vs. autonomy

4.
A patient in the ICU recently experienced a myocardial infarction that resulted in an aneurysm of the ventricular wall. The patient’s cardiovascular surgeon has determined that the aneurysm is irreparable. In this situation, an attempt to repair the rupture via laparoscopic surgery would be considered which of the following?
A)
Palliative
B)
Curative
C)
Medically futile
D)
Beneficent

5.
The family of a patient in a coma is struggling to decide whether to remove the patient from a ventilator. What would be the most appropriate intervention?
A)
Explain the statistical odds that the patient will regain consciousness.
B)
Facilitate a care conference with the family.
C)
Leave the family alone to make their decision.
D)
Distribute copies of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics to the family.

Answer Key

1.
B, C
2.
A
3.
D
4.
C
5.
B