A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant.

Nurses' Notes 1000:

The client reports repeated episodes of vomiting and two episodes of diarrhea in past 24 hr. Client is at 18 weeks of gestation and reports a history of nausea and vomiting for the past 12 weeks.

1015:

IV fluids initiated. Prochlorperazine administered via intermittent IV bolus.

1100:

Client reports improvement in nausea. Ice chips provided. Client voided 50 mL of dark yellow urine.

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the client.

For each discharge instruction, specify if each action is recommended or contraindicated for the client.

Choice A rationale:

Documenting the client's vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel is correct. Documenting vital signs is fundamental and immediate requirement when admitting a client to ensure their current health status is accurately captured and can be monitored effectively.

Choice B rationale:

Charting a summary of the data at the change of the shift is incorrect. While it's essential to provide an update at shift change, this option suggests summarizing the data, which might not include all necessary details. Comprehensive documentation is crucial for continuity of care and accurate communication among healthcare providers. Documenting specific vital signs, assessments, interventions, and the client's response to those interventions is necessary for effective patient care.

Choice C rationale:

Noting whether the client has a living will is incorrect. While it's essential to be aware of a client's advanced directives, this information is typically gathered during the admission process or during routine assessments. It is not the immediate action to be taken upon admission. Vital signs and other immediate clinical data take precedence during the initial documentation process.

Choice D rationale:

Beginning charting with an evaluation of the data is incorrect. It is important to document objective data, such as vital signs, observations, and assessments, before making any evaluations or interpretations. Objective data provide the basis for clinical decisions and interventions. Starting with evaluations might lead to biased documentation, potentially overlooking important clinical findings.

- A. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects the right of clients to make their own decisions and choices regarding their health care. Informed consent is a process that ensures that clients are fully informed of the benefits, risks, alternatives, and consequences of a proposed treatment or procedure, and that they voluntarily agree to it.

- B. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that obliges health care providers to do no harm to clients, either intentionally or unintentionally. Informed consent does not directly promote this principle, although it may help to prevent harm by disclosing potential risks and complications.

- C. Justice is the ethical principle that requires fair and equal treatment of all clients, regardless of their personal characteristics, preferences, or values. Informed consent does not directly promote this principle, although it may help to ensure that clients are not coerced or manipulated into accepting a treatment or procedure that they do not want or need.

- D. Fidelity is the ethical principle that requires health care providers to be faithful and loyal to their clients, and to honor their commitments and promises. Informed consent does not directly promote this principle, although it may help to establish trust and rapport between clients and providers.