A charge nurse in a community mental health clinic is discussing ethical concepts of client care with a newly licensed nurse. The charge nurse should use which of the following situations as an example of fidelity?

A. Autonomic dysreflexia: This condition typically occurs in individuals with spinal cord injuries above the T6 level and presents with sudden, severe hypertension, bradycardia, headache, and profuse sweating. It is not typically associated with alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as visual hallucinations and impaired consciousness.

B. Synergistic effect: This term refers to the combined effect of two or more substances or factors being greater than the sum of their individual effects. While alcohol withdrawal can interact with other substances or conditions to produce various effects, it is not a specific condition causing visual hallucinations and impaired consciousness.

C. Sleep deprivation: Prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and hallucinations, but it is not typically associated with impaired consciousness as described in the scenario. Additionally, the manifestations described are more indicative of alcohol withdrawal rather than sleep deprivation alone.

D. Delirium: Delirium is a state of acute confusion and altered consciousness characterized by disturbances in attention, awareness, cognition, and perception. Visual hallucinations and impaired consciousness are common features of delirium, especially in the context of alcohol withdrawal. Delirium often occurs due to underlying medical conditions, substance withdrawal, or medication side effects.

A. The right to parity: Parity refers to the equality or fairness in treatment or access to services. This right ensures that individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination. However, in situations where a client requires close observation due to safety hazards, ensuring parity may not be feasible or appropriate as the primary focus is on preventing harm and promoting safety rather than ensuring equal treatment.

B. The right to make informed decisions: This right emphasizes the client's autonomy and ability to make decisions about their care based on relevant information provided by healthcare professionals. While this right is fundamental in healthcare, in cases where a client poses a risk to their safety or the safety of others due to their condition, such as in cases requiring close observation, the client may temporarily forfeit the right to make informed decisions to ensure their safety.

C. The right to social contact: This right pertains to the client's ability to interact with others and maintain social connections, which are important for emotional well-being. However, in situations where a client requires close observation due to safety concerns, restrictions on social contact may be necessary to prevent harm or injury. For example, if a client exhibits behaviors that pose a risk to themselves or others, limiting social contact can help mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.

D. The right to privacy: Privacy encompasses the client's right to confidentiality and autonomy over personal matters. However, in situations where a client's safety is at risk and close observation is necessary, the right to privacy may be temporarily forfeited. Close observation often involves continuous monitoring by healthcare providers, which may intrude on the client's privacy. This intrusion is deemed necessary to prevent harm and ensure the client's safety until they are no longer at risk.