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?

The correct answer is: d.

Choice A reason: An allergy to penicillin requiring an alternative antibiotic to be prescribed is a common and expected variation in care. Allergies are patient-specific factors that must be accommodated within the care pathway. The need for an alternative antibiotic does not typically constitute a variance that requires reporting, as adjustments for allergies are part of personalized care planning.

Choice B reason: Initiating antibiotic therapy 2 hours after implementation of the care pathway may not require a variance report if it falls within the acceptable time frame for antibiotic administration. The timing of antibiotic therapy can be critical, but slight deviations are often accounted for within the care pathway guidelines. However, if the care pathway specifies a narrower time frame for initiation, then this could be a reportable variance.

Choice C reason: Changing the route of antibiotic therapy from IV to PO (oral) is a clinical decision that may be based on the patient's condition, progress, and ability to tolerate oral medications. This switch is a part of antimicrobial stewardship and is often encouraged when clinically appropriate to reduce IV line use and potential complications. It is a standard practice and does not typically require a variance report unless the change contradicts a specific protocol in the care pathway.

Choice D reason: Obtaining a blood culture after the initiation of antibiotic therapy is a significant variance from the standard care pathway. Blood cultures should be obtained before starting antibiotics to accurately identify the causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivities. Starting antibiotics before obtaining blood cultures can reduce the likelihood of growing the bacteria in the culture, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This is a deviation from the standard of care that requires a variance report.

Choice A reason: This is not a correct technique for feeding a client who has dysphagia. Withholding fluids until the end of the meal can increase the risk of dehydration and aspiration. Fluids should be offered throughout the meal to help moisten and thin the food.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct technique for feeding a client who has dysphagia. Elevating the head of the client's bed to 30 degrees during mealtime is not enough to prevent aspiration. The client should be in an upright position, preferably at 90 degrees, to facilitate swallowing and gravity.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct technique for feeding a client who has dysphagia. Providing a 10-minute rest period prior to meals is not necessary and may delay the feeding. The client should be fed when they are alert and hungry, and not too tired or sleepy.

Choice D reason: This is a correct technique for feeding a client who has dysphagia. Instructing the client to place her chin toward her chest when swallowing can help close the airway and prevent food from entering the lungs. This can reduce the risk of aspiration and choking.