which method is most appropriate for managing moral distress in the workplace

NCLEX-RN

Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. Which method is most appropriate for managing moral distress in the workplace?

A. Recognizing that life is unfair and nurses cannot meet every need of every client
B. Declining to act when clients or visitors make requests that are not justifiable
C. Developing a new policy that would address the problematic situation
D. Both A and B

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Moral distress involves negative feelings or frustration toward situations that are deemed unfair, unethical, or that cause the nurse to feel helpless in their work. It can lead to nurse burnout when ongoing issues are not resolved. The most appropriate method for managing moral distress is to develop new policies that address the problematic situations. By creating policies, nurses can work towards changing current standards and reducing the number of situations that lead to moral distress. Choices A and B are incorrect because recognizing life's unfairness and not taking action on unjustifiable requests do not actively address the root causes of moral distress or work towards resolving the issues.

2. Examples of preservation of self-integrity include all of the following except:

A. Using assistive equipment to move bariatric clients
B. Participating in wellness programs
C. Accepting the challenge of caring for clients with oppositional beliefs or practices
D. Using hand hygiene and personal protective equipment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preservation of self-integrity involves actions that support the nurse's well-being and ethical standards. Using assistive equipment to move bariatric clients and practicing hand hygiene and personal protective equipment are essential aspects of maintaining physical health and safety, contributing to self-care. Participating in wellness programs further enhances self-care by promoting overall well-being. However, accepting the challenge of caring for clients with oppositional beliefs or practices can be emotionally taxing and may compromise a nurse's self-integrity if it leads to significant moral distress or ethical conflicts. In such situations, it is important for nurses to prioritize their well-being and ethical values by seeking alternative solutions or support.

3. Which of the following situations warrants a measurement for orthostatic hypotension?

A. A 36-year-old male with a spinal injury
B. An 86-year-old female with significantly altered mental status
C. A 58-year-old female with near-syncope
D. A 41-year-old male with acute deep vein thrombosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is a 58-year-old female with near-syncope. Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure of greater than 20 mmHg systolic when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing. Patients at higher risk include those with syncope or near-syncope, symptomatic hypovolemia, and those prone to falls. The other choices are less likely to present with orthostatic hypotension. A spinal injury, altered mental status, and acute deep vein thrombosis are not directly associated with the immediate need for orthostatic hypotension measurement.

4. 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.

5. Mr. Y had surgery two days ago and is recovering on the surgical unit of the hospital. Just before lunch, he develops chest pain and difficulties with breathing. His respiratory rate is 32/minute, his temperature is 100.8�F, and he has rales on auscultation. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate in this situation?

A. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position
B. Contact the physician for an order for antibiotics
C. Administer oxygen therapy
D. Decrease his IV rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, mild fever, and rales or crackles on auscultation in a client who had surgery 2 days ago may be indicative of a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should administer oxygen to address his breathing and assist him to a comfortable position to facilitate better oxygenation before contacting the physician. Placing the client in the Trendelenburg position is not recommended in this situation as it may worsen a potential pulmonary embolism by increasing venous return. Contacting the physician for antibiotics is not the priority as the immediate concern is addressing the breathing difficulty. Decreasing the IV rate is not indicated in this situation where the client is experiencing respiratory distress and needs oxygen therapy.