A nurse is caring for a client who is desiring their wound care to be provided at 1400.
The nurse returns at 1400 to perform wound care for the client.
Which of the following ethical principles is the nurse demonstrating?

The correct answer is: A

Choice A reason: Providing the nurse administering medications with an identifying vest can help reduce medication errors by making it easier for other staff and patients to identify the nurse responsible for medication administration. This can minimize interruptions and distractions, which are common causes of medication errors. It also serves as a visual reminder to the nurse of their critical role in medication safety.

Choice B reason: Removing medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists is not a recommended practice. Pharmacists play a crucial role in reviewing prescriptions for accuracy and potential drug interactions before dispensing. Therefore, medications should remain in the dispensing system until they have been properly reviewed and approved by a pharmacist.

Choice C reason: Waiting to document medications given to clients until the end of a shift is not advisable. Accurate and timely documentation is essential in healthcare, particularly when it comes to medication administration. Documentation should occur as soon as the medication is given to ensure that all healthcare providers have up-to-date information and to prevent errors such as omissions or duplications.

Choice D reason: Preparing medications for multiple clients at the same time increases the risk of errors, such as mix-ups between patients or incorrect dosing. It is best practice to prepare and administer medications for one client at a time, following the ‘five rights’ of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.

Choice A rationale:

Justice is the ethical principle related to fairness and equality in healthcare. It is not applicable in this scenario as it does not address the nurse's action of returning at 1400 for wound care.

Choice B rationale:

Autonomy is the principle that respects a patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. While important, this is not the focus of the nurse's action in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in healthcare. The nurse returning at the agreed time of 1400 does not primarily relate to veracity. It is more about keeping a commitment.

Choice D rationale:

Fidelity, or faithfulness, is the ethical principle that the nurse is demonstrating in this scenario. The nurse is keeping their commitment to provide wound care at the agreed time of 1400. This aligns with the principle of fidelity.