A nurse is assessing a client who is postpartum and has developed endometritis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

A tracheostomy tray is used to perform an emergency tracheostomy. This procedure is not a standard requirement for a client with a thoracotomy and chest tube placement, as the primary respiratory intervention is typically managed via the chest tube and other supportive measures.

Choice B rationale

Montgomery straps are used to secure dressings that require frequent changes, preventing skin irritation from repeated tape removal. They are useful for abdominal wounds or other high-drainage sites but are not a specific or essential piece of equipment for a chest tube.

Choice C rationale

Wire cutters are used to cut stainless steel wires that may be used to secure the sternum after cardiac surgery. A thoracotomy is an incision into the chest wall to access the thoracic cavity; it does not involve sternal wiring.

Choice D rationale

A padded clamp is an essential piece of equipment at the bedside for a client with a chest tube. In the event of a chest tube dislodgement or if the drainage system needs to be changed, the clamp is used to temporarily occlude the tube to prevent a pneumothorax. .

Choice A rationale

Veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth and being honest with clients. By informing the client about the potential side effect of lightheadedness while also clarifying that the procedure should not affect their memory, the nurse is providing accurate and complete information. This honesty allows the client to make an informed decision and builds trust in the therapeutic relationship. The nurse is being truthful about the known risks and benefits of the treatment.

Choice B rationale

Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good and acting in the best interest of the client. While the nurse's actions are ultimately intended to be beneficial, the specific act of providing truthful information is a demonstration of veracity. Beneficence would involve ensuring the treatment is appropriate and safe for the client, whereas veracity is the specific communication of the truth about that treatment's effects.

Choice C rationale

Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects a client's right to self-determination and to make their own decisions. While providing truthful information supports the client's ability to exercise their autonomy, the act of giving the information itself is an example of veracity. The nurse is upholding the client's autonomy by being truthful, but the action of being truthful is the core principle demonstrated.

Choice D rationale

Fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises and being loyal to the client. This involves maintaining professional commitments and a trusting relationship. While providing accurate information contributes to a trusting relationship, it is a direct fulfillment of the duty of veracity. Fidelity is more about honoring commitments and promises, which is a broader concept than simply telling the truth about a procedure's effects. *.