A nurse is planning care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracentesis.

Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take

The correct answer is A. Beneficence. Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good for the patient and promoting their well-being.

The nurse is demonstrating beneficence by sitting with the client to provide comfort and support during a difficult time.

Choice B is wrong because fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises to the patient and being loyal and faithful.

The nurse is not making or keeping any promises to the client in this scenario.

Choice C is wrong because autonomy is the ethical principle of respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions and choices.

The nurse is not interfering with the client’s autonomy in this scenario.

Choice D is wrong because veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth to the patient and being honest and trustworthy.

The nurse is not lying or withholding information from the client in this scenario.

The correct answer is b. Remove the device from the room.

Choice A rationale:

• Reporting the defect to the equipment maintenance staff is essential,but it's not the immediate priority.The primary concern is to eliminate the safety hazard posed by the frayed cord to prevent potential harm to the client and others.
• Delaying the removal of the device could lead to electrical shock,fire,or other serious consequences.
• Therefore,removing the device from the room takes precedence over reporting the defect.

Choice B rationale:

• Removing the device from the room is the most appropriate first action because it:
  • Eliminates the immediate safety hazard.
  • Prevents potential harm to the client and others.
  • Protects the device from further damage.
  • Ensures the safety of the environment.
  • Demonstrates the nurse's prioritization of patient safety.

Choice C rationale:

• Initiating a requisition for a replacement CPM device is necessary to ensure the client's continued treatment.
• However,it's not the first action because it doesn't address the immediate safety concern.
• The nurse should first remove the faulty device and then initiate the process for obtaining a replacement.

Choice D rationale:

• Ensuring the device inspection sticker is current is a vital part of equipment maintenance.
• However,it's not relevant to the immediate safety issue of the frayed cord.
• The presence of a current inspection sticker doesn't guarantee the device's safety or functionality at that moment.
• The nurse must prioritize removing the hazard and then follow up with appropriate documentation and reporting.