Fundamentals of Nursing Q 591
When the nurse described the client as “that nasty old man in room 201,” the nurse is exhibiting which ethical dilemma?
A. Gender bias and ageism
B. HIPAA violation
C. Beneficence
D. Code of ethics violation
Correct Answer: A. Gender bias and ageism
Stereotyping an “old man” as “nasty” is a gender bias and an ageism issue. The nurse is verbalizing a negative descriptor about the client. Anyone who lives long enough is at risk of experiencing ageism. In Western, industrialized countries, older people are often perceived as unproductive and as using too much of society’s resources (Gullette 2004). As countries’ demographics shift toward larger percentages of older citizens (due to declines in birth rates and increases in longevity), aging is often framed in public policy debates as a social problem, and the hyperbolic language that is frequently used (e.g., “the gray tsunami”) to describe shifting demographics contributes to ageism.
Option B: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is a landmark piece of legislation that was introduced to simplify the administration of healthcare, eliminate wastage, prevent healthcare fraud, and ensure that employees could maintain healthcare coverage when between jobs. A HIPAA violation is a failure to comply with any aspect of HIPAA standards and provisions detailed in 45 CFR Parts 160, 162, and 164.
Option C: Beneficence is defined as an act of charity, mercy, and kindness with a strong connotation of doing good to others including moral obligation. All professionals have the foundational moral imperative of doing right.
Option D: Serious ethical violations are acts that not only disregard codes of medical ethics, but also risk directly harming patients and subjecting the wrongdoer to criminal, tort, or medical board actions.