A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse who is caring for a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis. The charge nurse should expect the newly licensed nurse to take which of the following actions?

Choice A rationale:

Beneficence. Beneficence refers to the ethical principle of doing what is best for the client's well-being and promoting their welfare. While returning with pain medication promptly does contribute to the client's well-being, this principle does not specifically address the nurse's commitment to keeping promises or being faithful to their word.

Choice B rationale:

Utility. Utility refers to the ethical principle of seeking the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. Fulfilling a promise to provide pain medication within the agreed-upon time frame benefits the individual client but is not necessarily related to maximizing overall utility for a broader population.

Choice C rationale:

Justice. Justice involves fairness and equitable distribution of resources and care. While ensuring timely pain relief can be seen as a just action, the concept of justice is not directly tied to keeping promises or fidelity.

Choice D rationale:

Fidelity. Fidelity, also known as "non-maleficence," centers on being faithful to commitments and maintaining trust in the nurse-client relationship. Returning with the medication as promised within 15 minutes exemplifies fidelity, as the nurse is honoring their commitment to the client's well-being and building trust through their actions.

Choice A rationale:

A nurse cannot provide basic treatment information to the client's employer without the client's explicit consent. This information falls under the client's confidentiality rights and cannot be shared without proper authorization.

Choice B rationale:

While a nurse can inform the client about the risks and benefits of electroconvulsive therapy, this statement does not encompass the entirety of the client's rights. Clients have the right to be informed about the risks and benefits of all treatments, not just electroconvulsive therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Clients on a mental health unit who are admitted voluntarily have the right to leave against medical advice, as long as they are deemed capable of making that decision. Voluntary admission does not negate a client's autonomy to make decisions about their own care.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Clients on a mental health unit have the right to refuse their medication, as long as they are deemed competent to make that decision. This is an important aspect of respecting a client's autonomy and informed consent, even in a mental health setting. However, if a client's refusal poses a serious risk to their health or the health of others, healthcare providers may need to take appropriate actions while respecting legal and ethical standards.