Nursing Autonomy Quiz

Autonomy in Nursing

• Autonomy in nursing refers to the ability of nurses to make independent decisions regarding patient care based on their professional knowledge and ethical considerations.
• An example of autonomy includes a nurse advocating for a patient's needs and preferences in care planning, ensuring the patient's voice is heard.

Differences from Paternalistic Care

• Autonomy differs from paternalistic care, where healthcare providers make decisions for patients without their input, assuming what is best for the patient.
• Paternalistic care undermines patient autonomy and can lead to dissatisfaction and mistrust in the healthcare provider.

Benefits of Autonomy in Nursing

• Autonomy enhances job satisfaction and engagement among nurses, leading to better patient outcomes and more personalized care.
• It fosters critical thinking, allowing nurses to assess situations and make informed choices swiftly.

Examples of Autonomy

• A nurse conducting a patient assessment and deciding on the immediate interventions needed based on signs and symptoms showcases autonomy.
• Client educational sessions led by nurses that allow patients to make informed choices regarding their health treatments exemplify autonomy.

Non-Autonomous Behaviors in Nursing

• Non-autonomous behavior includes a nurse strictly following a doctor’s orders without questioning the appropriateness based on the patient’s specific condition or needs.
• Relying solely on protocols without consideration for individual patient circumstances represents a lack of autonomy.

Demonstrating Autonomy in Nursing Practice

• A nurse who evaluates and alters a medication plan based on observed patient reactions demonstrates high levels of autonomy in practice.
• Making a clinical judgment to involve interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care also showcases autonomous nursing.

Veracity in Nursing

• Veracity refers to the commitment to truthfulness in nursing practices, ensuring accurate information is provided to patients and documented.
• An example of veracity includes a nurse admitting to a patient when an error has occurred and explaining its implications.

Veracity in Documentation

• Accurate and honest documentation of patient interactions and care plans exemplifies veracity, securing trust and providing legal protection for both patient and nurse.
• Noting all relevant patient data without omitting details reflects a commitment to veracity in nursing documentation.

Veracity in Research and Evidence-Based Practice

• A nurse demonstrating veracity in research presents data and findings accurately, avoiding misrepresentation of findings.
• Citing sources appropriately when developing care plans based on research underscores veracity in evidence-based practice.