A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse review prior to adjusting the client's heparin?

A. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects the right of clients to make their own decisions and choices regarding their health care. Informed consent is a process that ensures that clients are fully informed of the benefits, risks, alternatives, and consequences of a proposed treatment or procedure, and that they voluntarily agree to it.

B. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that obliges health care providers to do no harm to clients, either intentionally or unintentionally. Informed consent does not directly promote this principle, although it may help to prevent harm by disclosing potential risks and complications.

C. Justice is the ethical principle that requires fair and equal treatment of all clients, regardless of their personal characteristics, preferences, or values. Informed consent does not directly promote this principle, although it may help to ensure that clients are not coerced or manipulated into accepting a treatment or procedure that they do not want or need.

D. Fidelity is the ethical principle that requires health care providers to be faithful and loyal to their clients, and to honor their commitments and promises. Informed consent does not directly promote this principle, although it may help to establish trust and rapport between clients and providers.

A. Incorrect. Obtaining capillary blood glucose level every 2 hr is appropriate for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus, but it does not address the ankle injury.

B. Incorrect. Checking the neurovascular status of the client's lower extremities every hour is important for a client who has an ankle injury, but it does not require clarification with the provider.

C. Correct. Applying a cold pack to the client's ankle for 30 min every hour can reduce swelling and inflammation, but it can also impair circulation and increase the risk of tissue damage in a client who has diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider before implementing it.

D. Incorrect. Maintaining the affected ankle elevated and immobilized can help prevent further injury and promote healing, but it does not require clarification with the provider.