A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and states that they wish to discontinue their enteral feedings. The nurse responds by saying "You have a right to refuse treatment." This response by the nurse demonstrates which of the following ethical principles?

A.Notifying the charge nurse is an important action, as it ensures that other team members are aware of the error and can support corrective actions. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as assessing the client’s condition takes priority.

B.Informing the provider about the error is essential to allow for any additional orders or corrective measures, such as treatments to mitigate adverse effects. However, the nurse should first assess the client for any changes in condition to report specific findings to the provider if an intervention is needed.

C.Assessing the client’s condition is the first priority when a medication error is discovered. This action helps determine whether the incorrect dose has affected the client, allowing the nurse to provide immediate care if needed.

D.Completing an incident report is necessary to document the error, allowing the facility to review and address any procedural gaps. However, completing the report is not an immediate action in terms of client safety and should occur after assessing the client and notifying the necessary parties.

A. A staff member places a midstream urine sample in a specimen refrigerator after collecting it:

This is a proper practice. Refrigerating the sample after collection helps preserve its integrity and prevents bacterial growth until it can be analyzed.

B. A staff member wipes a countertop with chlorhexidine solution to clean the area following a blood spill:

This is a proper infection control practice. Chlorhexidine is an effective disinfectant, and cleaning the area following a blood spill helps prevent the spread of infectious agents.

C. A nurse uses alcohol-based antiseptic to clean his hands after talking with a client who has varicella zoster:

This is a proper practice. Alcohol-based antiseptic is effective in killing a broad spectrum of germs, and hand hygiene is crucial, especially after contact with a client who may have an infectious condition.

D. A nurse pours sterile 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation solution on an open pressure wound prior to collecting a specimen for culture:

This is an infection control hazard. Sterile saline irrigation should not be poured onto an open wound before specimen collection, as it can introduce contaminants and interfere with the accuracy of culture results. Specimens should be collected using aseptic technique to avoid contamination.