A newly licensed nurse is applying prescribed wrist restraints on a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

 

Choice D rationale:

Protecting a client's safety by not causing harm refers to the ethical principle of nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence emphasizes the duty of healthcare professionals to avoid harm or minimize harm when providing care to clients. This principle is closely related to the concept of "do no harm" and places a high value on the well-being and safety of the client. Nurses must make decisions and take actions that prioritize the client's safety and well-being, even when faced with difficult ethical dilemmas.

Choice A rationale:

Beneficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes doing good and promoting the well-being of the client. While it is an essential ethical principle in nursing, it is not directly related to the concept of not causing harm, as described in the question.

Choice B rationale:

Fidelity, also known as faithfulness or loyalty, pertains to the nurse's obligation to uphold commitments and keep promises made to the client. While fidelity is crucial in nursing practice, it is not the primary principle related to the concept of not causing harm.

Choice C rationale:

Justice is the ethical principle concerned with fairness and the equitable distribution of healthcare resources and treatment. It focuses on providing clients with their due and ensuring that they are treated fairly and without discrimination. Justice is important in healthcare ethics but is not directly associated with the principle of not causing harm.

Choice A rationale:

Tell the APs they are acting immature. Telling the APs that they are acting immature is a judgmental and unhelpful approach. It does not demonstrate conflict resolution but rather exacerbates the conflict. This choice is not appropriate for resolving the situation.

Choice B rationale:

Allow the APs to resolve their issues. While allowing individuals to resolve their issues on their own can sometimes work, it is not always the best approach, especially in a healthcare setting where teamwork and patient care are paramount. In this scenario, the nurse should play an active role in resolving the conflict, making this choice less suitable.

Choice C rationale:

Confront the APs to discuss their argument. Confronting the APs to discuss their argument is a proactive approach to conflict resolution. It allows the nurse to address the issue, mediate the disagreement, and work towards a resolution. This choice is the most appropriate and demonstrates effective conflict resolution.

Choice D rationale:

Report the APs to the charge nurse. Reporting the APs to the charge nurse should be considered when the conflict cannot be resolved at the staff level, and it threatens patient care or safety. However, it should not be the first step in resolving a conflict between two individuals. It is a more formal and escalated approach, and in this case, choice C is a more suitable initial response.