A quality control nurse is reviewing medication prescriptions for a group of clients. Which of the following medication prescriptions should the nurse identify as being complete?

Rationale:

A. Asks the client what her plans are for follow-up care: This is an appropriate action that demonstrates concern for the client’s continuity of care and safety, even if she decides to leave against medical advice.

B. Asks the client to sign a form releasing the hospital from legal responsibility: This is standard practice when a client leaves against medical advice, as it documents that the client was informed of potential risks and chose to leave voluntarily.This action is appropriate and does not require the charge nurse to intervene.

C. Shows the client her abnormal laboratory results: Providing relevant medical information is appropriate to help the client make an informed decision about her care before leaving the facility.

D. Asks security to detain the client until the provider is notified: Clients have the legal right to leave a healthcare facility unless they are under specific legal or mental health holds. Detaining a competent adult against their will is unlawful and violates patient rights hence requiring intervention by the charge nurse.

Rationale:

A. Being honest with the parents of a child about the need to report suspected abuse: This reflects the ethical principle of veracity, which involves truth-telling and providing accurate information, rather than distributive justice.

B. Accepting the decision of an older adult client to live alone in her home: This action demonstrates respect for autonomy, which is honoring a client’s right to make decisions about their own life and care, not distributive justice.

C. Keeping a promise to visit with a client who is housebound after the delivery of care: This is an example of fidelity, the ethical obligation to keep commitments and follow through on promises made to clients.

D. Ensuring that a homeless client receives preventive medical care: Distributive justice focuses on fair and equitable allocation of resources and services, particularly for vulnerable or underserved populations. Providing preventive care to a homeless client exemplifies this principle.