Taking time to comfort a patient's family member is an exemplar of which professional identity?

Choice A reason:

Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that obligates healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to patients. It encompasses not only direct harm but also the risk of harm, ensuring that actions taken are not detrimental to the patient's well-being.

Choice B reason:

Justice in ethics refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of benefits and burdens. While it is an important principle, it does not specifically address the avoidance of harm.

Choice C reason:

Fidelity involves being faithful to commitments and promises, such as maintaining confidentiality and trust in the patient-provider relationship. It is not directly related to the avoidance of harm.

Choice D reason:

Beneficence is the principle of doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient. Although related to nonmaleficence, beneficence is more about proactive well-doing rather than the avoidance of harm.

Choice A reason: Implementing managed care policies that threaten the quality of life is an ethical issue because it can conflict with the nurse's duty to advocate for the patient's best interests and well-being.

Choice B reason: Working with impaired colleagues is an ethical issue because it can compromise patient safety and care quality. Nurses have a responsibility to address such situations to maintain professional standards and ensure patient safety.

Choice C reason: Administering medications following the 6 rights of medication administration is not an ethical issue but a standard of practice to ensure safe medication administration. It is an expected and essential part of nursing care.

Choice D reason: Staffing patterns that limit patient access to nursing care is an ethical issue because inadequate staffing can lead to suboptimal patient outcomes and may violate the ethical principle of justice, which calls for fair distribution of resources and care.