,1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has terminal cancer and is in severe
pain. The patient has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order and has expressed
a wish to die peacefully. The nurse administers a high dose of morphine to
the patient, knowing that it will hasten the patient's death. This is an
example of:
a) Euthanasia
b) Assisted suicide
c) Palliative sedation
d) Double effect*
Rationale: The principle of double effect states that an action that has both
a good and a bad effect is morally permissible if the good effect is
intended and the bad effect is foreseen but not intended, as long as the
good effect outweighs the bad effect. In this case, the nurse intends to
relieve the patient's pain and does not intend to cause the patient's death,
even though it is foreseeable. The good effect of pain relief outweighs the
bad effect of hastening death, especially since the patient has a DNR order
and a wish to die peacefully.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with HIV and
has not disclosed his status to his partner. The nurse believes that the
patient has a moral duty to inform his partner and prevent further
transmission of the infection. The nurse also respects the patient's
autonomy and confidentiality. The nurse faces a dilemma between:
a) Beneficence and nonmaleficence
b) Beneficence and justice
c) Beneficence and fidelity
d) Beneficence and autonomy*
Rationale: Beneficence is the principle of doing good and promoting the
well-being of others. Autonomy is the principle of respecting the self-
determination and choices of others. The nurse faces a conflict between
doing good for the patient's partner by informing him of the risk of HIV
infection, and respecting the patient's autonomy by honoring his decision
not to disclose his status. The nurse also has to consider the potential
consequences of breaching the patient's confidentiality, such as losing his
trust, damaging the therapeutic relationship, and violating professional
codes of ethics.
, 3. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been admitted to the hospital
with severe dehydration and malnutrition due to chronic alcohol abuse.
The patient refuses any treatment or intervention and insists on leaving the
hospital. The nurse believes that the patient needs urgent medical attention
and that leaving the hospital would endanger his life. The nurse decides to
restrain the patient and administer intravenous fluids and nutrition against
his will. This is an example of:
a) Paternalism*
b) Advocacy
c) Empowerment
d) Accountability
Rationale: Paternalism is the act of overriding or disregarding the wishes
or preferences of another person for their own good, based on the
assumption that one knows what is best for them. The nurse acts
paternalistically by restraining the patient and forcing him to receive
treatment, without considering his values, beliefs, or goals. The nurse may
justify this action by appealing to beneficence, but it also violates the
patient's autonomy and dignity.
Question: Which of the following best defines beneficence in the context
of nursing ethics?
A) Non-maleficence
B) Acting in the best interest of the patient
C) Respecting the patient's autonomy
D) Fostering a trusting relationship with the patient
Answer: B) Acting in the best interest of the patient
Rationale: Beneficence in nursing ethics pertains to the obligation to act
in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being and
advocating for their needs.
Question: What principle is closely related to beneficence and emphasizes
the duty to do no harm?
A) Autonomy
B) Veracity
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Examiner651. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $12.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
