A nurse is discharging two clients from the hospital to their homes. The client with insurance will receive supplies to take home and the one without insurance will need to pick up supplies at the local community health department. The nurse should recognize that this is a breach of which of the following ethical principles?

Choice A reason: Decreasing fluid intake to firm stools is incorrect, as adequate hydration (2-3 L/day) is essential to prevent constipation, especially with opioids like oxycodone, which slow intestinal motility. Low fluid intake hardens stools, exacerbating constipation risk by reducing water content in the colon, indicating a misunderstanding of prevention strategies.
Choice B reason: Increasing dietary fiber intake (25-35 g/day) adds bulk to stools, stimulating peristalsis and counteracting opioid-induced slowed motility. Soluble and insoluble fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, promotes regular bowel movements. This statement reflects correct understanding of dietary measures to prevent constipation during opioid therapy.
Choice C reason: Taking a laxative only when constipated is reactive, not preventive. Opioids like oxycodone commonly cause constipation by reducing peristalsis via mu-opioid receptors in the gut. Prophylactic use of stool softeners or laxatives is recommended to maintain regular bowel movements, making this statement incorrect as it lacks a preventive approach.
Choice D reason: Exercising less to conserve energy worsens constipation, as physical activity stimulates intestinal motility, countering opioid-induced slowing. Regular movement, like walking, promotes bowel function by enhancing peristalsis and blood flow to the gut. This statement indicates a misunderstanding, as reduced activity increases constipation risk.

Choice A reason: Calcium gluconate IV reverses magnesium sulfate toxicity, which causes respiratory depression or arrhythmias due to excessive magnesium. Calcium restores neuromuscular and cardiac function by competing with magnesium, preventing life-threatening complications like respiratory arrest in preeclampsia management.
Choice B reason: Positioning supine is inappropriate, as it does not address magnesium toxicity and may worsen respiration in preeclampsia. Semi-Fowler’s position optimizes breathing, while toxicity requires pharmacological reversal with calcium gluconate, not positional changes, to manage life-threatening symptoms effectively.
Choice C reason: IV dextrose is irrelevant for magnesium toxicity, which affects neuromuscular function, not glucose levels. Dextrose treats hypoglycemia, not applicable here. Magnesium overdose requires calcium to counteract effects, making dextrose an ineffective intervention in preeclampsia-related toxicity management.
Choice D reason: Methylergonovine, a uterotonic, is contraindicated in preeclampsia, as it increases blood pressure, risking hypertensive crisis. It treats postpartum hemorrhage, not magnesium toxicity, which requires calcium gluconate to reverse neuromuscular depression, ensuring safety in preeclampsia management.