which example best describes the concept of beneficence

NCLEX-RN

Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. Which example best describes the concept of beneficence?

A. A nurse provides pain medication for a client in the recovery room who is experiencing pain
B. A client has an advanced directive in place stating that he does not want intubation if he needs CPR
C. At the request of the client, a nurse does not inform the family about his cancer diagnosis
D. A nurse withholds narcotic medication for a client in pain, knowing that he is currently disoriented

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good and acting in the best interest of the client. Providing pain relief to a client in the recovery room who is experiencing pain aligns with beneficence as it promotes the client's well-being and comfort. Choice B is related to autonomy, where the client's wishes regarding treatment are respected. Choice C involves confidentiality and the client's right to privacy. Choice D represents nonmaleficence, as withholding pain medication from a client in pain could cause harm and goes against the principle of doing no harm.

2. When should discharge training and planning begin for a 65-year-old man admitted to the hospital for spinal stenosis surgery?

A. Following surgery
B. Upon admission
C. Within 48 hours of discharge
D. Preoperative discussion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Discharge training and planning should begin upon admission for a patient undergoing spinal stenosis surgery. It is crucial to initiate this process early to ensure a smooth transition from hospital care to home or a rehabilitation facility. Starting discharge planning upon admission allows for comprehensive involvement of the patient, family, and healthcare team, which can reduce the risk of readmission, optimize recovery, ensure proper medication management, and adequately prepare caregivers. Therefore, option B, 'Upon admission,' is the correct answer. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because waiting until after surgery, within 48 hours of discharge, or during preoperative discussion would not provide sufficient time for effective discharge planning and education.

3. Which of the following is an example of intragroup conflict?

A. A nurse writes a grant for a non-profit organization to raise money for advertising
B. Members of a multidisciplinary team cannot agree on the best course of action for a client
C. A client does not receive his medication on time because the nurse was on break
D. A nurse feels frustrated that her employer does not provide on-site child care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Intragroup conflict refers to disagreements within a group. The correct answer, 'Members of a multidisciplinary team cannot agree on the best course of action for a client,' exemplifies this type of conflict well. In this scenario, professionals within the same team are unable to reach a consensus on how to proceed with client care. Choices A, C, and D do not reflect intragroup conflict. Writing a grant for a non-profit organization, a client not receiving medication due to a nurse's break, and a nurse feeling frustrated about the lack of on-site child care do not involve conflicts within a group of professionals.

4. The chain of infection includes the ________________.

A. germ, agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry port, and susceptible host
B. active natural, active artificial, passive natural, and passive artificial
C. opportunism, weakness, immunity, and colonization
D. intrinsic, extrinsic, internal, and external transmission

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The chain, or cycle, of infection includes the germ (microorganism), agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry port, and susceptible host. This sequence describes how infections are passed from one person to another. Choice B is incorrect because it refers to types of immunity, not components of the chain of infection. Choice C is also incorrect as it lists terms unrelated to the chain of infection. Choice D is incorrect as it describes transmission types, not components of the chain of infection. Understanding the chain of infection is crucial in preventing the spread of infections by breaking one or more links in the chain, such as interrupting the mode of transmission through proper hand hygiene.

5. A client needs to give informed consent for electroconvulsive therapy treatments. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Explain the adverse effects the client might experience from the treatment
B. Verify the client gave consent voluntarily for the treatment
C. Describe the benefits of the treatment to the client
D. Outline possible alternatives to the treatment for the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When obtaining informed consent for a procedure like electroconvulsive therapy, the nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure that the client has given consent voluntarily and is capable of making such a decision. While it is essential to provide information on the treatment's benefits, risks, and alternatives, the priority is to verify the client's voluntary consent. Explaining the adverse effects and describing the benefits are important steps in the informed consent process, but the critical step is to confirm the client's voluntary agreement. Outlining possible alternatives to the treatment is also important but comes after ensuring the client's voluntary consent.