A nurse is caring for a client who is participating in a research study for an experimental chemotherapy medication. After three treatments, the experimental medication is discontinued due to evidence of rapidly advancing kidney failure. Which of the following ethical principles was demonstrated?

Choice A rationale:

Asking the patient why this medication has been ordered is not the appropriate action because patients might not have accurate medical knowledge to provide a valid explanation for the prescription. The nurse should rely on healthcare professionals for accurate information.

Choice B rationale:

Verifying with the hospital administration is not necessary in this situation. The decision to prescribe medication is made by the healthcare provider, not the hospital administration.

Choice C rationale:

Verifying with the prescribing healthcare provider is the most appropriate action. The healthcare provider has the medical knowledge and rationale for prescribing a specific medication. This ensures that the nurse administers the medication safely and in alignment with the patient's condition and treatment plan.

Choice D rationale:

Asking another nurse might not yield accurate information about the rationale behind the medication order. It's best to directly communicate with the healthcare provider responsible for the patient's care.

Choice A rationale:

Visual observation for nonverbal signs of pain can be useful, especially in patients who are unable to communicate verbally. However, this method is not as accurate or reliable as obtaining the client's self-report of pain severity, which directly allows the patient to express their experience.

Choice B rationale:

Vital sign measurement, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, can provide indirect information about a patient's pain level. However, vital signs can be influenced by various factors, including anxiety or other physiological responses. They may not always accurately reflect the intensity of pain and are not as specific as the client's self-report.

Choice C rationale:

The client's self-report of pain severity is the most reliable and accurate method for determining the intensity of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the client's self-report is crucial for effective pain management. Pain scales, such as numeric rating scales or visual analog scales, allow clients to describe their pain intensity in a standardized way.

Choice D rationale:

The nature and invasiveness of the surgical procedure are relevant factors to consider in understanding a patient's potential pain experience. However, this information alone is not sufficient for determining the current intensity of the client's pain. Pain levels can vary among individuals undergoing the same procedure due to differences in pain tolerance and perception.