Free NCLEX RN Questions on Health Promotion and Maintenance Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a dying client whose family wants to be with him in the operating suite. The surgeon, however, does not allow families to be present during surgery. The nurse recognizes this as an ethical dilemma. What is the initial step of the nurse when managing this situation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct initial step is to choose option A: Contact the physician to amend the order for the client. This is the most appropriate action because the conflict arises from the surgeon's policy, which can potentially be changed with physician involvement. By discussing the situation with the physician, the nurse can advocate for the family's wishes and potentially negotiate a compromise. This step prioritizes the client's and family's needs while also respecting the surgeon's authority. Options B, C, and D are not the initial steps because they involve escalating the situation before attempting direct communication with the physician, which can be seen as bypassing the appropriate chain of command.