A nurse is caring for a client who expresses conflicted feelings about undergoing a tubal ligation. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. The statement "You can resume sexual activity 2 days after you complete your antiviral treatment" is incorrect. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, and the standard treatment is with antibiotics, not antivirals. Additionally, the client should wait until they have completed the full course of antibiotics and have been re-evaluated by their healthcare provider before resuming sexual activity to prevent the spread of the infection.

B. The statement "Your sexual partners can receive a chlamydia vaccine to protect against infection" is incorrect. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there is no chlamydia vaccine available. Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics, and preventing transmission involves safe sexual practices and partner notification.

C. The statement "Chlamydia is an incurable infection that causes a thick, curd-like discharge" is incorrect. Chlamydia is a curable bacterial infection, and it may or may not cause symptoms. It does not typically cause a thick, curd-like discharge; that description is more characteristic of a yeast infection.

D. The statement "The law requires a report of each case of chlamydia to the local health department" is correct. Chlamydia is a notifiable disease, meaning healthcare providers are legally required to report cases to the local health department. This reporting is essential for public health surveillance, tracking the prevalence of the infection, and implementing measures to control its spread.

A. Beneficence:

Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good or promoting the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, the nurse is respecting the client's autonomy rather than actively promoting a specific course of action.

B. Fidelity:

Fidelity refers to the principle of being faithful or keeping promises. While being truthful and honest with the client is important, the nurse's response is primarily addressing the client's autonomy.

C. Autonomy:

This is the correct answer. Autonomy is the ethical principle that emphasizes the individual's right to make decisions about their own care, including the right to refuse treatment. The nurse's response acknowledges and respects the client's autonomy in deciding to discontinue enteral feedings.

D. Justice:

Justice pertains to fairness and equitable distribution of resources. It is not the primary ethical principle being demonstrated in this scenario, as the focus is on the individual's right to make a decision about their own care.