A charge nurse observes a client fall while ambulating with an assistive personnel and notes that the client's gait belt was not in place. When reviewing the incident report, the charge nurse finds that the report does not mention the gait belt. Which of the following ethical principles should the charge nurse follow?

Choice A Reason:
Completing an incident report is inappropriate. While completing an incident report is important for documenting any errors or deviations from the standard of care, it should not be the first action taken. Assessing the client's condition takes precedence to ensure their immediate safety and well-being.
Choice B Reason:
Notifying the provider is inappropriate. Notifying the provider may be necessary, but it should not be the first action taken. Initially, the nurse should assess the client's condition to determine if any adverse effects have occurred as a result of the additional medication dose.
Choice C Reason:
Informing the nursing supervisor is inappropriate. Informing the nursing supervisor may be appropriate, especially if further actions or investigations are needed. However, the immediate priority is to assess the client's condition to ensure their safety.
Choice D Reason:
Observing the client's condition is appropriate. The nurse should first assess the client's condition to determine if any adverse effects have occurred due to the additional medication dose. This assessment helps identify any immediate concerns that require intervention. Based on the client's condition, further actions such as notifying the provider or completing an incident report may be warranted. However, observing the client's condition is the initial and most immediate action to take.

Choice A Reason:
A client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and has premature rupture of membranes is incorrect. This client is at risk for preterm labor and complications related to premature birth. Management involves monitoring for signs of labor, assessing fetal well-being, and potentially administering medications to prevent preterm labor. This requires obstetrical-specific knowledge and expertise.
Choice B Reason:
A multigravida client who has preeclampsia and is receiving misoprostol for induction of labor is incorrect. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organs, often the kidneys. Induction of labor in the setting of preeclampsia requires careful monitoring of maternal and fetal well-being, including blood pressure monitoring and fetal heart rate monitoring. Additionally, the use of misoprostol for induction requires understanding of its dosage, administration, and potential side effects, which are specific to obstetrical care.
Choice C Reason:
A primigravida client who is 1 day postoperative following a Cesarean section and has a PCA pump is correct. This client is postoperative following a Cesarean section and is likely in need of pain management through a PCA pump. Postoperative care after a Cesarean section involves monitoring for signs of complications such as infection, bleeding, and wound healing, as well as managing pain effectively. While nurses with medical-surgical experience may be familiar with PCA pumps, the postoperative care of a cesarean section client involves obstetrical-specific considerations such as uterine monitoring, assessment of lochia (vaginal discharge after childbirth), and breastfeeding support.
Choice D Reason:
A client who has gestational diabetes and is receiving biweekly nonstress tests is incorrect. Gestational diabetes requires monitoring of maternal blood glucose levels and fetal well-being. Nonstress tests are a common method of assessing fetal well-being in pregnancies complicated by conditions such as gestational diabetes. Nurses caring for clients with gestational diabetes need to understand the management of blood glucose levels, dietary considerations, insulin administration if needed, and fetal monitoring techniques. This requires obstetrical-specific knowledge and expertise.