A nurse is assisting in creating a plan to reduce environmental stressors for clients in an acute care unit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient. By administering pain medication prior to turning the client, the nurse is reducing the client’s suffering and promoting their well-being.

Choice A. Autonomy is wrong because autonomy is the ethical principle of respecting the patient’s right to self-determination and decision-making. The nurse is not asking for the client’s consent or preference before giving pain medication or turning them.

Choice B. Fidelity is wrong because fidelity is the ethical principle of being faithful and loyal to the patient and honoring one’s commitments and promises. The nurse is not demonstrating fidelity by giving pain medication or turning the client.

Choice C. Veracity is wrong because veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth and being honest with the patient. The nurse is not providing any information or education to the client before giving pain medication or turning them.

The correct answer is choice C. The client who says “I need to learn how to perform a dressing change on my leg” is indicating an acceptance of the limb loss and a readiness to learn self-care skills.

This is a positive sign of coping and adaptation after an amputation surgery.

Choice A is wrong because the client who says “I am going to have to find someone who can take care of my leg at home” is expressing dependency and denial of the limb loss.

The client needs to be encouraged to participate in self-care activities and rehabilitation.

Choice B is wrong because the client who says “I stay awake at night because I keep thinking about my leg” is experiencing phantom limb sensation, which is a common phenomenon after amputation.

The client may benefit from pain management, distraction techniques, and counseling.

Choice D is wrong because the client who says “I know my family means well, but I don’t want visitors seeing my leg right now” is showing signs of social isolation and low self-esteem.

The client needs emotional support and reassurance from the nurse and family members.

Normal ranges for vital signs after amputation are blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg, pulse 60-100 beats/min, respiratory rate 12-20 breaths/min, and temperature 36.5-37.5°C.