A charge nurse provides an annual in-service for the nursing staff regarding ethical practice. Which of the following actions should the nurse include as an example of ethical practice?

Choice A Reason:
Medicating the client with alprazolam, should not be the first action as it involves administering medication that could mask underlying issues and may not be appropriate without further assessment.
Choice B Reason:
Reorienting the client to his surroundings, is important for addressing confusion, but it should not be the first action until the nurse has ruled out any immediate physiological concerns.
Choice C Reason:
When a client presents with confusion and agitation after returning from an acute care facility, it's important for the nurse to prioritize assessing the client's physiological status by measuring vital signs. Changes in vital signs could indicate underlying medical issues such as infection, dehydration, or other physiological disturbances that may be contributing to the client's symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
Offering reassurance to the family, is important for providing support, but it should not be the first action as it does not directly address the client's immediate needs related to confusion and agitation.

Choice A Reason:
Telling the client that their blood alcohol level will be checked is incorrect. Threatening the client with other forms of testing may not be ethically or legally appropriate, especially if the client has refused the initial request. It's important to respect the client's autonomy and right to refuse testing.
Choice B Reason:
Informing the client that a catheter will be inserted is incorrect. Inserting a catheter against the client's will is invasive and would constitute a violation of the client's autonomy and bodily integrity. It is not an appropriate action.
Choice C Reason:
Documenting the client's refusal in their chart is correct. Documenting the client's refusal is essential for accurate record-keeping and ensures that the healthcare team is aware of the client's decision. It also helps protect the nurse and the healthcare facility in case of any legal or ethical challenges related to the client's refusal.
Choice D Reason:
Assessing the client for urinary retention is incorrect. While urinary retention may be a concern in some cases, it is not the immediate action to take when a client refuses to provide a urine sample. The priority is to respect the client's autonomy and document their refusal appropriately. If there are clinical indications or concerns about urinary retention, they can be assessed separately and addressed accordingly.