A charge nurse observes a client fall while ambulating with an assistive personnel and notes that the client's gait belt was not in place. When reviewing the incident report, the charge nurse finds that the report does not mention the gait belt. Which of the following ethical principles should the charge nurse follow?
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Fidelity
Veracity
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good or acting in the best interest of others. While this is an important principle for nurses to follow, it does not directly apply to the situation of reporting the truth about the incident.
Choice B reason: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of avoiding harm or minimizing the risk of harm to others. This principle is relevant to the prevention of falls and the use of gait belts, but it does not address the issue of honesty in documentation.
Choice C reason: Fidelity is the ethical principle of being faithful or loyal to one's commitments and responsibilities. This principle relates to the nurse's duty to provide safe and competent care to the client, but it does not specify the obligation to report the facts accurately.
Choice D reason: Veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth or being truthful. This principle is the most appropriate for the charge nurse to follow in this case, as it requires the nurse to report the incident honestly and completely, including the omission of the gait belt. This is essential for quality improvement, legal protection, and ethical accountability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Closing the fire doors and the doors to the clients' rooms is an action that the nurse should take after activating the fire alarm, as it helps to contain the fire and prevent smoke inhalation.
Choice B reason: Activating the fire alarm is the first action that the nurse should take after removing the client from the room, as it alerts the fire department and the rest of the staff and clients about the fire.
Choice C reason: Extinguishing the fire is an action that the nurse should take only if the fire is small and confined, and after activating the fire alarm and ensuring the safety of the client and self. The nurse should use the appropriate fire extinguisher and follow the PASS technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).
Choice D reason: Removing all clients from the unit is an action that the nurse should take only if the fire is large and spreading, and after activating the fire alarm and ensuring the safety of the client and self. The nurse should follow the RACE protocol (rescue, alarm, confine, extinguish/evacuate) and the facility's emergency plan.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Measuring the client's vital signs is the first action that the nurse should perform, as it helps to assess the client's condition and the possible effects of the medication error. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the provider.
Choice B reason: Completing an incident report is not the first action that the nurse should perform, as it does not address the client's immediate needs or safety. The nurse should complete an incident report after providing care to the client and documenting the medication error in the client's record. The incident report should include the facts of the error, the actions taken, and the outcome of the client.
Choice C reason: Informing the nurse manager is not the first action that the nurse should perform, as it does not provide any intervention or treatment for the client. The nurse should inform the nurse manager after measuring the client's vital signs and calling the provider. The nurse manager can offer support and guidance to the nurse and help with the follow-up actions.
Choice D reason: Calling the provider is not the first action that the nurse should perform, as it does not give the nurse any information about the client's status or the severity of the error. The nurse should call the provider after measuring the client's vital signs and reporting the findings. The provider can order any necessary tests or treatments for the client.
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