A nurse is caring for a client who tells the nurse that he feels he is being discharged from the facility too soon. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates client advocacy?

Rationale:

A. Arrange for a meeting with the child's guardians tomorrow: Meeting with the guardians may be appropriate later, but initially, the nurse must follow mandatory reporting laws. Waiting to meet could delay protection for the child and place them at further risk.

B. Notify the president of the school board: Reporting to school administration does not replace legal obligations to report suspected child abuse. The school board president is not the appropriate authority for immediate child protection.

C. Ask the child's peers about the bruises: Questioning peers is inappropriate and could violate privacy or compromise the investigation. The nurse should not attempt to investigate the situation personally.

D. Report the findings to child protective services: As a mandated reporter, the nurse is legally required to report any suspected child abuse immediately to child protective services. This action ensures the child’s safety and initiates an official investigation.

Rationale:

A. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to being faithful to commitments and maintaining trust in professional relationships. While important in nursing, it does not specifically relate to equitable distribution of community resources.

B. Autonomy: Autonomy emphasizes respecting an individual’s right to make informed decisions about their own care. Planning a program to ensure equal access addresses fairness, not individual decision-making.

C. Justice: Justice involves fairness in the distribution of resources, benefits, and risks. By ensuring prenatal resources are equally available to all community members, the nurse is practicing the ethical principle of justice and promoting equity in healthcare access.

D. Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence focuses on preventing harm to clients. While relevant to all nursing practice, it is not the primary principle guiding equitable allocation of prenatal resources in the community.