A nurse is asked by the unit manager to provide input for the performance appraisal of an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. A client who reports experiencing short-term memory loss:

Memory loss is a common issue in older adults and does not necessarily indicate elder abuse. While it is a concern that should be addressed, it may not be related to abuse unless there are specific circumstances suggesting mistreatment.

B. A client who is wearing urine-scented clothing.

Wearing urine-scented clothing can be indicative of neglect, which is a form of elder abuse. Neglect occurs when the basic needs of an older adult, such as hygiene and cleanliness, are not adequately met. The nurse should report this finding to the case manager so that appropriate interventions and assessments can be made to address the potential abuse or neglect.

C. A client who has fingernails that are discolored and broken:

Fingernail issues can have various causes, including medical conditions or self-neglect. Discolored and broken fingernails alone may not be conclusive evidence of elder abuse, and further assessment is needed to determine the cause.

D. A client who provides a detailed description of a recent fall at home:

While falls are a concern, providing a detailed description of a fall is not necessarily indicative of elder abuse. Falls can occur for various reasons, and additional assessment is needed to determine the circumstances surrounding the fall and whether abuse or neglect is involved.

A. Beneficence:

Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good or promoting the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, the nurse is respecting the client's autonomy rather than actively promoting a specific course of action.

B. Fidelity:

Fidelity refers to the principle of being faithful or keeping promises. While being truthful and honest with the client is important, the nurse's response is primarily addressing the client's autonomy.

C. Autonomy:

This is the correct answer. Autonomy is the ethical principle that emphasizes the individual's right to make decisions about their own care, including the right to refuse treatment. The nurse's response acknowledges and respects the client's autonomy in deciding to discontinue enteral feedings.

D. Justice:

Justice pertains to fairness and equitable distribution of resources. It is not the primary ethical principle being demonstrated in this scenario, as the focus is on the individual's right to make a decision about their own care.