NRP Ethical Considerations 3

Question 1

A neonate is born with a confirmed diagnosis of Trisomy 18. The parents request comfort care only. Which ethical principle most supports honoring this request?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Honoring the parents' informed decision for comfort care in a condition with very poor prognosis supports the principle of autonomy.

Question 2

In the context of NRP ethics, 'futility' generally refers to interventions that:

Accepted Answer

Cannot achieve the intended physiological goal or desired outcome

Answer

Medical futility applies when an intervention cannot achieve its intended goal, making continued attempts ethically unjustifiable.

Question 3

Which gestational age range is commonly referred to as the 'gray zone' or threshold of viability in neonatal resuscitation ethics?

Accepted Answer

22–25 weeks

Answer

The 22–25 week gestational age range is considered the threshold of viability where survival outcomes are highly uncertain and individualized decisions are essential.

Question 4

When a mother arrives in active labor at 24 weeks with no prior prenatal care or counseling, the best approach is:

Accepted Answer

Initiate resuscitation and reassess based on the infant's response

Answer

In the absence of prior counseling, initiating resuscitation and reassessing is the recommended approach to preserve options while gathering more information.

Question 5

What role does 'prognostic uncertainty' play in ethical decision-making for threshold-of-viability neonates?

Accepted Answer

It supports individualized, family-centered decision-making rather than rigid protocols

Answer

Prognostic uncertainty at the threshold of viability reinforces the need for individualized, family-centered ethical decision-making rather than blanket policies.

NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program Practice Test

NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program Practice Test

NRP Ethical Considerations 3