Question

The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child's frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a nurse suggests that they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication. This decision should be based on knowledge that

a. it is unjustified and unethical to administer placebos instead of pain medication.
b. the absence of a response to a placebo means the child's pain has an organic basis.
c. a positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child's pain has an organic basis.
d. administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication is effective in determining whether a child's pain is real.

Answer 1

Administering a placebo instead of pain medication is unjustified and unethical.

Step-by-step explanation:

The answer to this question is a. it is unjustified and unethical to administer placebos instead of pain medication.

The suggestion of administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication is unethical because it involves deception and violates the principle of informed consent. Administering placebos can lead to mistrust between the healthcare provider and the patient, and can have negative consequences for the patient's well-being.

Instead of administering a placebo, it is important for the healthcare team to explore the underlying cause of the child's pain and address it appropriately. Pain should be managed using evidence-based methods and interventions that are effective in relieving the child's discomfort and promoting their well-being.