Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

What is an important ethical consideration for healthcare providers when treating an elderly patient with a terminal condition?

1. The cost of treatment

2. The patient’s quality of life and expressed wishes

3. The opinions of the healthcare team

4. The availability of advanced medical technology

The correct answer is: The patient’s quality of life and expressed wishes

Focusing on the patient's quality of life and expressed wishes is a vital ethical consideration when treating elderly patients with terminal conditions. This approach acknowledges the principles of respect for autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence in ethical decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient’s values, preferences, and goals for care, especially in the context of limited prognosis and potential interventions. In such sensitive situations, the healthcare provider must prioritize what is meaningful to the patient. This often includes discussions surrounding advance care planning and ensuring that any treatment aligns with the patient's individual desires, which may encompass choices about symptom management, palliative interventions, or the acceptance of a do-not-resuscitate order. Engaging the patient in conversations about their care aligns with the ethical obligation to provide care that not only prolongs life but also maintains dignity and adheres to the patient's personal outlook on their own circumstances. Considering the patient's quality of life can also guide clinicians in making decisions that enhance comfort and emotional wellbeing, potentially leading to better overall outcomes in alignment with what the patient values most.