A nurse is assisting with developing a discharge plan for a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The client is independent and lives alone. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?

c. Veracity

The nurse is exhibiting the ethical concept of veracity by providing the client with truthful and accurate information about the purpose of the medication. Veracity refers to the obligation to tell the truth and provide information in an honest and transparent manner.

Explanation for the other options:

a .Accountability: Accountability refers to taking responsibility for one's actions and being answerable for the outcomes. While accountability is an important ethical concept for healthcare professionals, it is not directly demonstrated in this situation.

b. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to respecting an individual's right to make their own decisions and choices regarding their healthcare. While the nurse is providing information to the client, autonomy is not directly demonstrated in this situation.

d. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to being faithful and keeping promises or commitments made to clients. While

fidelity is an important ethical concept, it is not directly demonstrated in this situation.

e. Justice: Justice refers to fairness and the equitable distribution of healthcare resources. While justice is an important ethical concept, it is not directly demonstrated in this situation.

In this scenario, the nurse's action of providing truthful information to the client aligns with the ethical

concept of veracity.

c. Initiate a client referral to Reach to Recovery.

Explanation:

When caring for a female client who has a new diagnosis of breast cancer and expresses concerns about potential changes to her body image, the nurse should initiate a client referral to Reach to Recovery. Reach to Recovery is a program provided by the American Cancer Society that connects breast cancer patients with trained volunteers who have gone through a similar experience. These volunteers can provide emotional support, information, and resources to help the client cope with the physical and emotional changes that may occur due to breast cancer and its treatment.

Explanation for the other options:

a .Reassure the client that she will adjust to changes to her body:

While providing reassurance is important, it may not be sufficient to address the client's concerns about potential changes to her body image. Initiating a referral to Reach to Recovery can provide the client with additional support and resources tailored to her specific needs.

b. Contact an occupational therapist to talk with the client:

While an occupational therapist may have valuable input on certain aspects of the client's care, such as functional abilities and adaptations, initiating a referral to Reach to Recovery would be more appropriate for addressing the client's concerns related to body image.

d. Explain that surgery can restore the breast to its original appearance:

While surgery options such as breast reconstruction can restore the breast to a similar appearance, it is not appropriate for the nurse to make guarantees about the outcome or appearance of the breast after surgery. Every individual's situation is unique, and the decision to undergo surgery and the results of such procedures are dependent on various factors. Referring the client to Reach to Recovery would be more beneficial in addressing her concerns holistically.

In summary, when a client with a new diagnosis of breast cancer expresses concerns about potential changes to her body image, the nurse should initiate a client referral to Reach to Recovery. This program can provide the client with the necessary emotional support and resources to navigate the physical and emotional changes associated with breast cancer and its treatment.