A nurse is caring for a client who has deep-vein thrombosis and a new prescription for antiembolitic stockings.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

- A. This choice is incorrect because forgetting to buy a gift is not an example of dissociation, but rather a sign of poor memory or lack of attention.

- B. This choice is correct because describing the abuse as if it happened to someone else is an example of dissociation, which is a defense mechanism that involves separating oneself from painful or traumatic experiences.

- C. This choice is incorrect because being verbally assertive is not an example of dissociation, but rather a personality trait or a coping skill.

- D. This choice is incorrect because blaming the boss for not getting a promotion is not an example of dissociation, but rather a sign of external locus of control or rationalization.

Choice A rationale:

Fidelity refers to the principle of being loyal, faithful, and keeping promises. It does not specifically relate to providing accurate information about treatment effects. In this scenario, the nurse is discussing the potential adverse effects of a treatment, which falls under the domain of providing accurate and truthful information to the client.

Choice B rationale:

Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good and promoting the well-being of the patient. While educating the client about potential adverse effects is a form of beneficence, the specific principle demonstrated in this scenario is veracity, which is the duty to tell the truth. The nurse is being truthful about the potential side effect (lightheadedness) while clarifying that it should not affect memory.

Choice C rationale:

Veracity is the ethical principle of truth-telling. In this scenario, the nurse is demonstrating veracity by providing honest and accurate information to the client about the potential adverse effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation. By being truthful, the nurse upholds the ethical principle of veracity.

Choice D rationale:

Autonomy refers to the principle of respecting the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. While respecting autonomy is important, the nurse's action in this scenario specifically pertains to providing accurate information (veracity) rather than solely focusing on the client's decision-making autonomy.