A charge nurse is reviewing ethical principles with a group of staff nurses. Which of the following statements by a staff nurse indicates an understanding of ethical principles?

Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the concept of keeping promises and being faithful to commitments made to individuals. In this scenario, when the nurse states they will return as soon as possible with pain medication, they are making a commitment to the client and demonstrating fidelity by keeping that promise.

Justice: Justice pertains to fairness and the equitable distribution of resources. It is not directly related to the nurse's commitment to providing pain medication.

Autonomy: Autonomy involves respecting the individual's right to make decisions about their own care. While informing the client about the plan for pain medication is part of communication, the primary ethical principle being demonstrated here is fidelity.

Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. While it is important in healthcare, the scenario described focuses more on the nurse's commitment to providing pain relief.

A. While reporting the fire details to the facility emergency extension is important, the immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility is to activate the fire alarm. Activating the fire alarm alerts the entire facility to the presence of a fire and initiates the appropriate emergency response.

B. Closing the door to the client's room is a secondary action and can be done after activating the fire alarm. However, the priority is to activate the fire alarm to quickly notify others about the potential danger.

C. Activating the fire alarm is the immediate action to take in the event of a fire. This step ensures that the fire response team is alerted, and appropriate emergency measures are initiated promptly.

D. Turning off electrical equipment can be a safety measure, but it is not the first priority when there is an active fire. Activating the fire alarm and ensuring the evacuation of individuals from the area take precedence.