A nurse is assisting with the preparation of an in-service to review the Code of Ethics (COE) with a group of nursing colleagues. Which of the following statements should the nurse make during the in-service about the COE?

Choice A reason: The reservoir is the environment or habitat where the infectious agent lives and multiplies. The client's mouth is not a reservoir, but rather a part of the susceptible host. The reservoir for hepatitis A is usually the feces of an infected person.

Choice B reason: The susceptible host is the person who is at risk of getting the infection. The client's mouth is not a susceptible host, but rather a part of the susceptible host. The susceptibility to hepatitis A depends on factors such as age, immunity, hygiene, and exposure.

Choice C reason: The portal of entry is the opening or route through which the infectious agent enters the susceptible host. The client's mouth is a portal of entry, as it is where the contaminated food entered the client's body and caused the infection. Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecaloral route, meaning that the virus is ingested from contact with objects, food, or water contaminated by the feces of an infected person.

Choice D reason: The infectious agent is the microorganism that causes the infection. The client's mouth is not an infectious agent, but rather a portal of entry for the infectious agent. The infectious agent for hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver and causes inflammation, jaundice, and fever.

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.