A patient who is alert and has decision-making capacity refuses a recommended amputation because of personal beliefs. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct answer: B. Explore the concerns and inform the healthcare team
- A. Ask the family to persuade the patient to accept surgery
- B. Explore the concerns and inform the healthcare team
- C. Tell the patient that refusal could cause death
- D. Arrange surgery because the treatment is medically necessary
Explanation
The nurse should explore the patient's reasons, provide support and communicate the refusal to the healthcare team. A competent adult may refuse treatment, even when the decision carries serious risk; personal disagreement does not justify forcing care.
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About Nursing Ethics
Nursing ethics examines autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, fidelity, veracity, confidentiality and respect for dignity. It covers informed consent, patient advocacy, privacy, refusal of treatment, end-of-life decisions and ethical dilemmas, while distinguishing ethical duties from legal requirements and personal beliefs.
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