A charge nurse provides an annual in-service for the nursing staff regarding ethical practice. Which of the following actions should the nurse include as an example of ethical practice?

Choice A Reason:
Raising all four side rails on the bed of a confused client can be considered a form of restraint, which should be avoided unless necessary for the safety of the patient. It may infringe on the client's autonomy and dignity.
Choice B Reason:
Electing not to care for a client who had an abortion is discriminatory and violates the principle of nonmaleficence (doing no harm). Nurses have a professional obligation to provide care to all patients regardless of their personal beliefs or circumstances.
Choice C Reason:
Withholding nutrition from a client with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order without clear medical indications goes against the principle of beneficence and could be considered unethical. Nutritional support is a basic aspect of care that should not be withheld unless it is medically indicated or aligns with the patient's wishes.
Choice D Reason:
A nurse administers prescribed opioids to a client who has a terminal illness and respiratory rate of 8/min represents ethical practice because administering prescribed opioids to a client with a terminal illness and a respiratory rate of 8/min is appropriate and aligns with the principle of beneficence. The nurse's action aims to alleviate the client's pain and suffering, which is essential in end-of-life care.

Choice A Reason:
The time the client received his last dose of pain medication is incorrect. While this information is relevant for ongoing pain management, it may not be as critical for the receiving facility unless there are specific pain management protocols in place that need to be followed.
Choice B Reason:
The client's preferred time for bathing is incorrect. While knowing the client's preferences is important for providing individualized care, the preferred time for bathing may not be immediately pertinent to the client's care upon transfer to the rehabilitation facility.
Choice C Reason:
The steps to follow when providing wound care is correct. This information is essential for the receiving facility to ensure proper wound care continues without interruption. It helps ensure consistency in care and minimizes the risk of complications related to wound healing.
Choice D Reason:
The belief that the client has a difficult relationship with his son is incorrect. While psychosocial information about the client is important for holistic care, it may not be the most crucial information to include in the change-of-shift report for transfer to a rehabilitation facility unless it directly impacts the client's medical care or rehabilitation plan.