A nurse is considering ethical principles during rounds. Which nursing statement demonstrates the principle of fidelity?

A. Monitoring intake (fluids taken orally or intravenously) and output (urine, vomitus, diarrhea) helps assess fluid balance and hydration status. It is essential in clients with vomiting and diarrhea to prevent dehydration or fluid overload.

B. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which may affect the skin and oral mucosa. Providing good mouth care (e.g., oral hygiene, hydration) and skin care (e.g., gentle cleansing, moisturizing) helps maintain comfort and prevent complications such as skin breakdown.

C. This may be appropriate depending on the severity of the client's condition and the healthcare provider's orders. Daily weights help monitor fluid balance and assess for changes in hydration status. However, in acute cases of vomiting and diarrhea, more frequent weights or other assessments of fluid status may be necessary.

D. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is important to monitor for signs of dehydration or electrolyte disturbances, which can affect neurological function. Changes in level of consciousness may indicate worsening dehydration or other complications that require prompt intervention.

E. Loop diuretics are medications used to increase urine output by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. However, they are not indicated for treating vomiting and diarrhea. In fact, administering diuretics could exacerbate fluid and electrolyte imbalances in a client who is already experiencing fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea

C. The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream to be reduced by half. If a medication has a long half-life, it means that it stays in the body for a longer period before being eliminated. This allows for less frequent dosing intervals while still maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

A. Drugs with a short half-life are typically cleared from the body more quickly. While they may require more frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels, they do not necessarily have a greater risk for toxicity compared to drugs with longer half-lives. In fact, drugs with longer half-lives can accumulate in the body over time, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity.

B. The half-life of a drug can be significantly influenced by renal (kidney) and hepatic (liver) function. Impaired renal or hepatic function can prolong the half-life of a drug, leading to slower elimination and potentially increased risk of adverse effects.

D. This statement describes the concept of drug metabolism rather than the half-life. Drug metabolism refers to the biochemical alteration of drugs by enzymes, often occurring in the liver. The half-life, on the other hand, specifically relates to the elimination of the drug from the body.