A middle-aged client reports, "I can't get my breath when I walk." Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a barrel chest and is using his accessory muscles to breathe. The patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. On palpation, there is limited expansion and decreased tactile fremitus. Percussion yields hyperresonant sounds. On auscultation, prolonged expiration, scattered wheezes, and rhonchi are present. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Choice A rationale:

Autonomy refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions about their medical care. While autonomy is an important ethical principle, it is not directly related to the situation described. The nurse providing oxygen therapy to the patient without the patient's consent is not an example of respecting autonomy.

Choice B rationale:

Beneficence is the correct choice. Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing what is best for the patient's well-being. In this situation, providing oxygen therapy to a patient experiencing difficulty in breathing aligns with the principle of beneficence. Oxygen therapy aims to improve the patient's oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress.

Choice C rationale:

Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication. While honesty is important, it is not the primary ethical principle at play in this situation. Providing oxygen therapy to improve the patient's condition is more aligned with beneficence.

Choice D rationale:

Fidelity refers to the duty to be faithful and keep promises. While fidelity is important in maintaining trust between healthcare providers and patients, it is not the primary principle relevant here. The priority is to address the patient's immediate health needs through appropriate interventions like oxygen therapy.

Choice A rationale:

Admission assessment of a new client requires comprehensive evaluation, critical thinking, and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of a registered nurse's responsibilities and should not be delegated to an LPN.

Choice B rationale:

Evaluating changes to a client's pressure ulcer also involves clinical judgment and assessment skills that fall within the domain of a registered nurse's role.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Tracheostomy care involves routine and standardized procedures that an LPN can perform under the supervision of a registered nurse. LPNs are trained to provide this type of care safely and effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a blood transfusion is a complex procedure that requires careful monitoring and assessment for potential adverse reactions. This task is typically within the scope of a registered nurse's practice, not an LPN's.