A nurse is caring for an adult client who has a history of mental illness and is scheduled for a total hip arthroplasty. The nurse should Identify that which of the following people can provide informed consent for the procedure?

A. A staff member places a midstream urine sample in a specimen refrigerator after collecting it:

This is a proper practice. Refrigerating the sample after collection helps preserve its integrity and prevents bacterial growth until it can be analyzed.

B. A staff member wipes a countertop with chlorhexidine solution to clean the area following a blood spill:

This is a proper infection control practice. Chlorhexidine is an effective disinfectant, and cleaning the area following a blood spill helps prevent the spread of infectious agents.

C. A nurse uses alcohol-based antiseptic to clean his hands after talking with a client who has varicella zoster:

This is a proper practice. Alcohol-based antiseptic is effective in killing a broad spectrum of germs, and hand hygiene is crucial, especially after contact with a client who may have an infectious condition.

D. A nurse pours sterile 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation solution on an open pressure wound prior to collecting a specimen for culture:

This is an infection control hazard. Sterile saline irrigation should not be poured onto an open wound before specimen collection, as it can introduce contaminants and interfere with the accuracy of culture results. Specimens should be collected using aseptic technique to avoid contamination.

Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the concept of keeping promises and being faithful to commitments made to individuals. In this scenario, when the nurse states they will return as soon as possible with pain medication, they are making a commitment to the client and demonstrating fidelity by keeping that promise.

Justice: Justice pertains to fairness and the equitable distribution of resources. It is not directly related to the nurse's commitment to providing pain medication.

Autonomy: Autonomy involves respecting the individual's right to make decisions about their own care. While informing the client about the plan for pain medication is part of communication, the primary ethical principle being demonstrated here is fidelity.

Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. While it is important in healthcare, the scenario described focuses more on the nurse's commitment to providing pain relief.