A nurse is assisting with teaching a newly licensed nurse about professionalism. The nurse should include that which of the following demonstrates unprofessional behavior by a nurse?

Choice A reason: Quality education is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, quality education is an act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for a profession. NSNA informs, prepares, and inspires members to develop continuous, lifelong learning and ethics of the profession.

Choice B reason: Safety is not a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics, but a responsibility that is part of the NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct. According to this code, nursing students have a responsibility to promote the safety of clients, self, and others in academic and clinical settings. Safety is also a core value of nursing practice, but it is not explicitly stated in the NSNA code of ethics.

Choice C reason: Diversity is not a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics, but a goal that is part of the NSNA Mission Statement. According to this statement, NSNA is committed to fostering the professional development of nursing students with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Diversity is also a principle that guides the NSNA Code of Professional Conduct, which states that nursing students should respect the diversity of clients, colleagues, faculty, and staff.

Choice D reason: Professionalism is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, professionalism is the characteristics that describe an individual striving to maintain the highest standards for one’s chosen path – honesty, integrity, responsibility and conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. As NSNA members, it is important to create a culture of professionalism in our organization and to uphold the values of professionalism in order to conduct ourselves and our organization in the most respectful, honest way.

Choice E reason: Advocacy is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Core Values and Interpretative Statements, advocacy is an activity or process to work on behalf of self and/or others to raise awareness of a concern and to promote solutions to the issue. The nursing profession is based on advocating for patients and families in order to help facilitate the healing process; NSNA serves as an advocate for nursing students by representing them as one united voice.

Choice F reason: Confidentiality is a value that is part of the NSNA code of ethics. According to the NSNA Code of Professional Conduct, nursing students should protect the privacy and confidentiality of clients, colleagues, faculty, and staff. Confidentiality is also a principle that guides the NSNA Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct, which states that nursing students should maintain client confidentiality in verbal, written, and electronic forms.

Choice A reason: This action is correct because airway protection is the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's airway patency, breathing, and oxygenation, and intervene as needed to secure and maintain the airway. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of aspiration, bleeding, or obstruction, and suction the airway as needed.
Choice B reason: This action is incorrect because stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's circulation, blood pressure, and pulse, and intervene as needed to treat any arrhythmias, shock, or hemorrhage. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.
Choice C reason: This action is incorrect because preventing musculoskeletal disability is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's mobility, sensation, and alignment, and intervene as needed to prevent or treat any fractures, dislocations, or nerve injuries. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.
Choice D reason: This action is incorrect because decreasing intracranial pressure is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness, pupillary response, and neurological status, and intervene as needed to prevent or treat any increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, or brain injury. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.