A nurse is caring for a client who has lung cancer. The client tells the nurse they do not want to be resuscitated in the event of a cardiac arrest. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Meningococcal vaccine starts at 11-12 years, not infancy; three doses by kindergarten is incorrect. Scientifically, this misaligns with CDC schedules, as 2-month-olds get other vaccines (e.g., DTaP), showing misunderstanding of immunization timing.

Choice B reason: No feeding restriction exists for immunizations; fasting isn’t required. Scientifically, nutrition supports immune response, and this contradicts standard practice, as feeding doesn’t affect vaccine efficacy or safety, indicating a preparation misconception.

Choice C reason: High fever for 24 hours isn’t typical; mild fever may occur but not guaranteed. Scientifically, this exaggerates normal vaccine reactions (e.g., low-grade fever), misrepresenting expected immune responses, suggesting inaccurate outcome expectations.

Choice D reason: Rotavirus vaccine is oral at 2 months, per CDC schedule, aligning with its live attenuated form. Scientifically, this reflects correct administration knowledge, as it targets gut immunity, showing the guardian understands this immunization’s delivery accurately.

Choice A reason: Fidelity is keeping promises and maintaining trust, as the nurse commits to walking daily with the client. This builds therapeutic reliability, reducing anxiety through consistent support, aligning with ethical standards where honoring commitments fosters psychological safety and strengthens the nurse-patient relationship scientifically.

Choice B reason: Justice involves fair resource distribution, not individual promises like walking with a client. This scenario focuses on personal commitment, not equity among patients. Ethically, justice applies to systemic fairness, lacking relevance to this specific supportive action grounded in trust-building principles.

Choice C reason: Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm, but promising to walk exceeds mere harm prevention, aiming to alleviate anxiety actively. While it supports well-being, it’s not the primary principle here. Scientifically, this is more about trust than just safety, distinguishing it from nonmaleficence’s core intent.

Choice D reason: Autonomy respects client decisions, but the nurse’s promise is her initiative, not the client’s choice. It supports, not directs, independence. Ethically, autonomy focuses on self-determination, whereas this action reflects commitment, making fidelity the more fitting principle in this scenario.