A charge nurse is reviewing ethical principles with a group of staff nurses. Which of the following statements by a staff nurse indicates an understanding of ethical principles?

A. "I should wait until I am terminally ill to complete my advance directives."

This statement is incorrect. It is advisable to complete advance directives before a critical or terminal illness occurs to ensure that one's preferences are known and respected in the event of incapacity.

B. "I must name a relative to make decisions for me in my health care proxy."

This statement is incorrect. While naming a relative is a common choice, individuals can choose any competent person as their healthcare proxy, and it does not have to be a family member.

C. "I can state in my living will which medical treatments I want done if I am terminally ill."

This statement is correct. A living will allows individuals to specify the medical treatments they wish to receive or avoid in the event they become terminally ill or incapacitated.

D. "I will make changes to my advance directives if I change my mind about anything."

This statement is correct. Advance directives are not permanent and can be changed or updated if the individual's preferences or circumstances change.

E. "I will need to complete a new living will each time I am hospitalized."

This statement is incorrect. Advance directives, including living wills, are generally not tied to a specific hospitalization. They remain in effect unless the individual chooses to update or change them.

A. Teach a client about hemodialysis:

Educating clients about hemodialysis may require specialized knowledge that might exceed the standard nursing scope. However, nurses may provide basic information and support related to the procedure.

B. Create a plan of care for a client's discharge:

Although nurses often contribute to discharge planning by providing input, assessing needs, and communicating with the care team, the creation of a complete discharge plan may involve multidisciplinary collaboration, including social workers, case managers, and physicians.

C. Assist in checking a unit of packed RBCs to administer to a client:

Nurses are often responsible for verifying blood components (like packed red blood cells) before administration, ensuring proper patient identification, compatibility, and correct handling of the blood product.

D. Regulate the client's infusion pump after initiating a heparin drip infusion:

Nurses frequently regulate and monitor infusion pumps after starting medication infusions, ensuring the correct rate of administration according to the prescribed dosage.