A nurse is assessing a patient who has chronic bronchitis. The nurse should expect the patient's chest to be which of the following shapes?

Choice A rationale:

Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication between the healthcare provider and the client. It involves providing accurate information and not deceiving the client. Discontinuing the experimental medication due to kidney failure demonstrates a commitment to the truth, but the primary ethical principle demonstrated here is nonmaleficence.

Choice B rationale:

Autonomy refers to respecting the client's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the medication was discontinued due to evidence of harm to the client's health. This action prioritizes the client's well-being over their autonomy to continue the treatment.

Choice C rationale:

Nonmaleficence, or the principle of "do no harm," is demonstrated in this scenario. The experimental medication was discontinued because it was causing rapidly advancing kidney failure. The healthcare provider's decision to stop the treatment is an example of prioritizing the client's safety and well-being by preventing further harm.

Choice D rationale:

Fidelity refers to being loyal, keeping promises, and maintaining trust in the nurse-client relationship. While this principle is important, it doesn't directly apply to the situation described, where the focus is on the ethical responsibility to prevent harm.

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is important, but it's not the first action to take in this situation. The immediate concern should be addressing the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first step the nurse should take after an accidental needlestick. It helps reduce the risk of infection by cleaning the wound and removing any potential contaminants.

Choice C rationale:

Going to employee health services is a valid step, but it's not the immediate action needed after an accidental needlestick. Cleaning the wound should come first.

Choice D rationale:

Completing an incident report is important for documentation purposes, but it is not the nurse's first priority in this situation. Immediate wound care takes precedence.