A client receiving inpatient palliative care for advanced heart failure is exhibiting significant dyspnea and visible distress. The client's current respiratory rate is 10 breaths per minute. A scheduled dose of intravenous morphine is due. The nurse recognizes that opioid administration carries a risk of further respiratory depression. Which action aligns with the ethical obligations of the nurse in this situation?
- AWithhold the medication immediately, as protecting the client's respiratory status is the physiological priority.
- BTell the client that receiving the pain medication will stop their breathing and ask if they still want it.
- Administer the intravenous morphine as prescribed to alleviate the client's distressing symptoms.Answer
- DReposition the client flat in bed to conserve their energy instead of administering the medication.
Answer
Administer the intravenous morphine as prescribed to alleviate the client's distressing symptoms.
In palliative and end-of-life care, the ethical principle of beneficence guides healthcare professionals to prioritize the relief of suffering. The Rule of Double Effect provides ethical justification for administering a medication (like morphine) with the primary intent of alleviating severe dyspnea and pain, even if there is a foreseeable, secondary risk of respiratory depression. Withholding comfort measures in this context violates the client's documented care goals.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Principle of Double Effect in palliative care ethically justifies administering interventions intended to relieve severe suffering, even if they carry a foreseeable but unintended risk of hastening death.