A nurse observes an assistive personnel (AP) perform mouth care for a client who is unconscious. Which of the following actions by the AP requires intervention by the nurse?

Choice A reason: Fidelity is not the ethical principle that the nurse is implementing. Fidelity is the duty to keep one's promises and commitments to the client. The nurse is not demonstrating fidelity by giving pain medication, unless the nurse has promised to do so.

Choice B reason: Beneficence is the ethical principle that the nurse is implementing. Beneficence is the duty to do good and prevent harm to the client. The nurse is demonstrating beneficence by giving pain medication to relieve the client's suffering and promote comfort.

Choice C reason: Autonomy is not the ethical principle that the nurse is implementing. Autonomy is the right of the client to make their own decisions and choices about their health care. The nurse is not demonstrating autonomy by giving pain medication, unless the client has consented to it.

Choice D reason: Veracity is not the ethical principle that the nurse is implementing. Veracity is the duty to tell the truth and be honest with the client. The nurse is not demonstrating veracity by giving pain medication, unless the nurse has explained the purpose, benefits, and risks of the medication.

Choice A reason: Gloves are the first piece of personal protective equipment that the nurse should remove, as they are the most contaminated and can transfer microorganisms to other surfaces. The nurse should remove the gloves by grasping the outside of one glove at the wrist and pulling it off inside out, then holding it in the gloved hand and sliding the fingers of the ungloved hand under the other glove at the wrist and pulling it off inside out over the first glove. The nurse should then discard the gloves in a biohazard container.

Choice B reason: Goggles are the second piece of personal protective equipment that the nurse should remove, as they can protect the eyes from splashes or droplets. The nurse should remove the goggles by grasping the earpieces or headband and lifting them away from the face. The nurse should then discard the goggles in a designated receptacle or place them in a designated area for reprocessing.

Choice C reason: Gown is the third piece of personal protective equipment that the nurse should remove, as it can protect the clothing and skin from contamination. The nurse should remove the gown by untying the neck and waist ties and pulling the gown away from the neck and shoulders, touching only the inside of the gown. The nurse should then turn the gown inside out, fold or roll it into a bundle, and discard it in a biohazard container.

Choice D reason: Mask is the last piece of personal protective equipment that the nurse should remove, as it can protect the nose and mouth from inhalation of microorganisms. The nurse should remove the mask by grasping the bottom ties or elastics and then the top ties or elastics and pulling the mask away from the face. The nurse should then discard the mask in a biohazard container.