A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postpartum.

Nurses' Notes 1200:

Large amount of lochia rubra noted on perineal pad. Fundus boggy at two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus. Oxytocin 20 units being administered via continuous JV infusion.

1215:

Large amount of lochia rubra with several large clots noted. Client reports feeling anxious. Skin cool and clammy. Provider notified.

Select the actions the nurse should take.

A - This is correct because discomfort while walking can indicate genital trauma or infection, which are possible signs of sexual abuse.

B - This is incorrect because thin extremities can be caused by many factors, such as malnutrition, genetic disorders, or chronic diseases, that are not necessarily related to sexual abuse.

C - This is incorrect because bruises on the upper back can result from accidental injuries, such as falls or bumps, or from physical abuse, such as hitting or kicking, but not specifically from sexual abuse.

D - This is incorrect because a stained shirt can be due to poor hygiene, food spills, or environmental factors, but not necessarily from sexual abuse.

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.