While examining a female patient by a male doctor, it is the duty of the female nurse to?

UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Fundamental of Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

The primary duty of the nurse in this situation is to act as a chaperone.
This involves being physically present to provide emotional support and reassurance to the female patient, reducing her potential anxiety or embarrassment.
The nurse's presence also serves as a legal safeguard for the male physician against any potential allegations of inappropriate conduct.
This practice is a widely accepted standard of care for sensitive examinations to ensure patient dignity and safety.
While present, the nurse can also assist with the procedure and monitor the patient's comfort and vital signs.

Option A: This action is inappropriate and unprofessional. It obstructs patient care and undermines the physician's professional role.
Option B: While another provider can act as a chaperone, the question asks for the duty of the female nurse present. Her duty is to perform the role herself, not to delegate it unless she is unavailable or unable to do so.
Option C: It is not a requirement for a female doctor to examine a female patient. A male physician is fully qualified, and the presence of a chaperone is the standard procedure to ensure appropriateness and comfort.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Professional and ethical duties of a nurse as a chaperone during patient examinations to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
The practice of chaperoning is a cornerstone of patient-centered care, building trust and respecting patient dignity, especially in sensitive situations.
From a risk management perspective, having a chaperone present is a critical measure to protect both the patient from harm and the clinician from unfounded accusations of misconduct.
What if the patient refuses the offer of a chaperone? The nurse must respect the patient's autonomy. The refusal should be clearly documented in the patient's record, and the physician should be informed before proceeding with the examination.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core nursing principle being tested. This question relates to patient advocacy, safety, privacy, and professional ethics.
Analyze the scenario: a potentially vulnerable situation (female patient, male doctor). The nurse's role is to protect the patient's interests.
Evaluate each option based on the standard of care. Ask yourself which action best promotes patient comfort, dignity, and safety while respecting professional boundaries.
Option A (refusing the exam) is obstructive. Option C (demanding a female doctor) is not a standard requirement. Option B (delegating) avoids the nurse's direct responsibility.
Option D (being present) directly addresses the nurse's role as a chaperone, which is the established best practice in this context.
Select the option that aligns with the established professional and legal standards for patient examinations.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Professional and ethical duties of a nurse as a chaperone during patient examinations.
Stem keywords: female patient, male doctor, duty of female nurse, examination
Lead-in keywords: duty of
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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E6 Medicine Macleod Clinical Examination 15e p. 31-33

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 112-114