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?
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Fidelity
Veracity
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good or acting in the best interest of others. While this is an important principle for nurses to follow, it does not directly apply to the situation of reporting the truth about the incident.
Choice B reason: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of avoiding harm or minimizing the risk of harm to others. This principle is relevant to the prevention of falls and the use of gait belts, but it does not address the issue of honesty in documentation.
Choice C reason: Fidelity is the ethical principle of being faithful or loyal to one's commitments and responsibilities. This principle relates to the nurse's duty to provide safe and competent care to the client, but it does not specify the obligation to report the facts accurately.
Choice D reason: Veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth or being truthful. This principle is the most appropriate for the charge nurse to follow in this case, as it requires the nurse to report the incident honestly and completely, including the omission of the gait belt. This is essential for quality improvement, legal protection, and ethical accountability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Allowing the AP to document the vital signs prior to logging out is not a correct action, as it violates the principles of confidentiality and accountability. The nurse should not share their login credentials or allow anyone else to use their electronic record.
Choice B reason: Logging out so the AP can log in to document the vital signs is the correct action, as it ensures that the documentation is accurate, timely, and secure. The nurse should log out of the electronic record after completing their charting and allow the AP to log in using their own credentials.
Choice C reason: Offering to chart the vital signs for the AP is not a correct action, as it delays the documentation and increases the risk of errors. The nurse should not chart the vital signs for the AP, as they are not the ones who obtained them.
Choice D reason: Recommending the AP come back later when the record is available is not a correct action, as it also delays the documentation and reduces the availability of the electronic record. The nurse should not make the AP wait for the record, as it may affect the continuity of care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking the client's daughter to interpret the conversation is not a correct action, as it may compromise the accuracy and confidentiality of the information. The nurse should not use family members or friends as interpreters, as they may have biases, emotions, or personal agendas that could interfere with the communication.
Choice B reason: Talking loudly while facing the client is not a correct action, as it may be perceived as rude or aggressive by the client. The nurse should not assume that the client can understand them better by increasing the volume or using gestures, as these may have different meanings in different cultures.
Choice C reason: Accessing a language line to interpret what is being said is the correct action, as it ensures that the communication is clear, accurate, and respectful. The nurse should use a qualified interpreter who is familiar with the medical terminology and the cultural context of the client.
Choice D reason: Using a bilingual dictionary to translate is not a correct action, as it may be time-consuming and ineffective. The nurse should not rely on a dictionary or a translation app, as they may not capture the nuances or expressions of the language. The nurse should also avoid using medical jargon or slang that may not be understood by the client.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.