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?

Choice A reason: Taking pictures of the child's injuries once the parent leaves the room is not a correct action, as it violates the child's privacy and dignity. The nurse should not take pictures of the child without the parent's consent and only if it is required by the facility's policy or the law.

Choice B reason: Having a facility security officer interview the parent is not a correct action, as it is not within the scope of the security officer's role and may escalate the situation. The nurse should not involve the security officer unless there is a threat of violence or harm to the child, the parent, or the staff.

Choice C reason: Completing an incident report concerning the child's injuries is not a correct action, as it is not relevant to the child's situation. The nurse should complete an incident report only if there is an adverse event or error that occurred within the facility that affected the child's care or safety.

Choice D reason: Reporting the child's injuries to Child Protective Services is the correct action, as it is the nurse's legal and ethical duty to protect the child from potential abuse or neglect. The nurse should suspect child abuse based on the child's injuries, which are inconsistent with the parent's explanation and indicative of non-accidental trauma. The nurse should follow the facility's protocol and the state's law for reporting suspected child abuse.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this client has the most urgent and potentially life-threatening problem. Urinary retention after spinal surgery can lead to bladder distension, infection, renal damage, or autonomic dysreflexia (a dangerous rise in blood pressure and heart rate). The nurse should assess the client's bladder, catheterize the client if indicated, and notify the surgeon.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a serious but not urgent problem. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that can affect the function of the pancreas and other organs. IV chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The nurse should provide emotional support, education, and symptom management to this client, but they are not the highest priority.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a chronic but not acute problem. Peripheral vascular disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, causing reduced blood flow to the limbs. An absent pedal pulse indicates poor circulation in the foot, which can lead to pain, numbness, or tissue damage. The nurse should monitor the client's pulses, skin temperature, and color, and teach the client how to prevent complications, but they are not the highest priority.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a stable but not critical problem. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause skin or systemic infections. An axillary temperature of 38°C (101°F) indicates a mild fever, which is a common sign of infection. The nurse should administer antibiotics as prescribed, observe the client for signs of sepsis, and follow infection control precautions, but they are not the highest priority.