Exam 6: Ethics in Community Health Nursing Practice

Much ethical debate has revolved around issues in acute health care, for example, the continuation or withdrawal of medical treatment.In such a specific situation, which of the following is usually the dominant issue?

In which year was the first code of ethics for nursing written?

Some CHNs are disagreeing strongly about the appropriate action to take in relation to a particular family in which one member is ill and the other family members have chosen to continue working at their jobs rather than take time off to care for the ill family member.One CHN states, "But it doesn't have to be either-or.Perhaps the family members could take turns calling in sick for just 2 or 3 days.That way, they could all help and yet not upset their employers.Wouldn't that be fair?" Which of the following types of thinking is this CHN applying?

A CHN has been asked to meet with a couple that recently emigrated from Botswana.The clinic doctor told the man about his wife's diagnosis of breast cancer, and the couple was about to leave.Although all of the following actions by the CHN might be appropriate, which one is probably the most important action, ethically?

Most of us believe that everyone should receive his or her fair share, that one should always be fair, and that each person should be allowed maximum liberty to make decisions about the self.Which one of the following does such an approach not take into account?

Which of the following outcomes needs to occur in order to claim that advocacy has been truly successful or effective?

A man is bleeding profusely and screaming, perhaps out of fear, "I've got a right to see a doctor.I'm hurt.Someone has to take care of me!" Ethically, which one of the following premises could justify such a demand?

Which one of the following is the central, most important concept or action in nursing today?

A pregnant teenage client asks a CHN to provide information on abortions and a list of health care providers who offer abortion services.The CHN has very strong personal beliefs against abortion that would get in the way of helping the client.What should the CHN do?

A physician refuses to order pain medication for a drug addict who was severely injured in a car accident.When the CHN requests medication to be used p.r.n., the physician states that the client's suffering from the pain of his injuries will build character.Which ethical theory is the physician using (or misusing)?

Which of the following is the first and most crucial step in the ethical decision-making process?

Gilligan and Noddings both believe in the morality of responsibility in relationships.They emphasize connection.Which term is used to describe this belief?

Some CHNs are disagreeing strongly about the appropriate action to take in relation to a particular family in which one member is ill and the other family members have chosen to continue working at their jobs rather than take time off to care for the ill family member.A CHN states, "It's not up to us; it's the family's decision." Which of the following types of thinking is this CHN applying?

Which one of the following is probably the first step in resolving any ethical conflict?

Some CHNs are disagreeing strongly about the appropriate action to take in relation to a particular family in which one member is ill and the other family members have chosen to continue working at their jobs instead of take time off to care for the ill family member.One CHN asks, "What sort of example does this behaviour set for the community? What if everyone always put their jobs before their families?" Which of the following types of thinking is this CHN applying?

A CHN finds that a family has decided not to accept medical intervention for a particular health concern because the intervention could affect the family member's ability to return to work, and consequently the family's resources would be drastically reduced.Which of the following actions by the CHN would ethically be most appropriate in this situation?

Three CHNs are disagreeing about the appropriate treatment for Mrs.Mehta, who is probably an excellent candidate for hospice care.The first CHN says that deciding on care, rather than cure, is up to Mrs.Mehta, and no one else can decide for her.The second CHN says that it is the responsibility of the health care team to do what is best for Mrs.Mehta, and if the physician thinks there is still a possibility of cure, then the CHNs should do everything they can to implement the treatment plan.The third CHN says it is not fair for the family to expend all their resources on Mrs.Mehta, who is probably going to die in spite of the care provided by the health care team.Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from this dispute?

Some CHNs are disagreeing strongly about the appropriate action to take in relation to a particular family in which one member is ill and the other family members have chosen to continue working at their jobs instead of take time off to care for the ill family member.One CHN states, "It is the wife's responsibility to care for her ill husband." Which of the following types of thinking is this CHN applying?

Having heard several debates about the appropriate thing to do for a specific client, a CHN feels a real need for a rule that would help with decision making.Which one of the following criteria could the CHN apply to this rule for his or her decision making?

Which of the following methods is the best way to determine if a CHN has been effective in assessing community health needs and planning and implementing appropriate interventions?