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:

Restricting the client's fluid intake to less than 2 L/day is not an appropriate intervention for a client with COPD. Adequate hydration is important to help thin mucus secretions and improve respiratory function. Restricting fluids can lead to thicker mucus and exacerbate breathing difficulties.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to use pursed-lip breathing is a beneficial intervention for someone with COPD. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve breathing efficiency by promoting better air exchange and preventing air trapping, which is common in COPD. It helps slow down breathing and increases oxygen saturation.

Choice C rationale:

Having the client use the early-morning hours for exercise and activity might not be the best choice. Morning hours can be when clients with COPD experience more respiratory symptoms. It's advisable to schedule activities during times when the client feels more comfortable and less breathless.

Choice D rationale:

Providing the client with a low-protein diet is not a relevant intervention for COPD management. COPD primarily affects the lungs and respiratory system, and a low-protein diet is not a standard part of its management. Nutritional recommendations for COPD typically focus on maintaining a balanced diet to support overall health.

Choice D rationale:

This statement by an assistive personnel (AP) indicates a need for further teaching. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the transmission of microorganisms, and it involves both handwashing and the appropriate use of gloves. Changing gloves between clients is important to prevent cross-contamination, but it doesn't replace the need for handwashing. Hands can become contaminated even with the use of gloves, and proper hand hygiene should be practiced before and after glove use.

Choice A rationale:

The statement about using alcohol-based hand products after most client contact is accurate. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands when soap and water are not readily available. They are especially useful in healthcare settings.

Choice B rationale:

Washing hands before providing client care is a fundamental principle of infection control. It helps remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms from the hands, reducing the risk of infection transmission.

Choice C rationale:

The statement about not wearing artificial nails when providing client care is correct. Artificial nails can harbor microorganisms and are challenging to clean thoroughly. They pose an infection risk and are generally not recommended for healthcare workers who provide direct patient care.