A nurse is collecting data from a child who has measles. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

A. Beneficence. Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation to promote the well-being of clients and take actions that benefit them. While providing medication education supports the client's health, the primary ethical principle demonstrated in truthfully explaining adverse effects is veracity, not beneficence.
B. Justice. Justice involves fairness in the distribution of resources, treatment, and care. It ensures that all clients receive equitable care regardless of personal or socioeconomic differences. While justice is a fundamental ethical principle, it does not directly relate to truthfulness in medication education.
C. Veracity. Veracity is the ethical principle of honesty and truthfulness in communication with clients. By truthfully informing the client about the adverse effects of their prescribed medications, the nurse upholds veracity, ensuring the client has accurate information for informed decision-making.
D. Autonomy. Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make informed decisions about their care. While providing truthful information supports autonomy, the ethical concept the nurse demonstrates in this scenario is veracity, as the focus is on truthfully sharing medication information.

A. Diminished pulses on the affected extremity. Reduced pulses suggest impaired circulation, which may indicate compartment syndrome, a serious complication where increased pressure restricts blood flow. Without prompt intervention, this can lead to tissue damage or limb loss. The nurse should assess for additional signs such as pallor, paresthesia, and unrelieved pain and notify the provider immediately.
B. One fingerbreadth of space between the cast and the skin. This is an expected finding, as having a small space between the cast and skin allows for proper circulation and prevents excessive pressure that could lead to skin breakdown. The cast should be snug but not too tight to allow for swelling that may occur after injury or surgery. However, this does not require immediate intervention.
C. Client report of muscle spasms of the left leg. Muscle spasms are common in clients with immobilized limbs due to muscle fatigue, positioning, or nerve irritation. While uncomfortable, they do not indicate an emergency. The nurse can suggest gentle repositioning, relaxation techniques, or prescribed muscle relaxants to alleviate discomfort.
D. Ecchymosis on the inner left thigh. Bruising is a normal response to trauma and does not necessarily indicate a severe complication. It should be monitored for changes such as increasing size, pain, or signs of infection, but it does not take priority over assessing circulation and preventing limb-threatening complications.