A nurse is educating a newly licensed nurse about ethical principles. Which of the following situations is an example of beneficence?

The correct answer is choice A. Transparent dressing.

Choice A rationale:

Transparent dressings are appropriate for stage I pressure ulcers. These dressings provide a moist environment that promotes healing and protects the wound from external contaminants. They are also transparent, allowing the nurse to monitor the wound without removing the dressing. As stage I pressure ulcers involve intact skin with non-blanchable redness, these dressings aid in preventing friction and shear forces that could exacerbate the injury.

Choice B rationale:

Alginate dressings (Choice B) are not suitable for stage I pressure ulcers. Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and are generally used for wounds with moderate to heavy exudate, such as infected wounds or those with necrotic tissue. They may not be the best choice for a stage I pressure ulcer, which is characterized by superficial skin involvement without exudate or necrosis.

Choice C rationale:

Hydrogel dressings (Choice C) are beneficial for wounds with minimal to no exudate, but they are more appropriate for partial-thickness wounds, burns, or dry wounds. They provide a moist environment and promote autolytic debridement. However, in the case of a stage I pressure ulcer, where the skin is intact and there is no exudate, hydrogel dressings may not be the ideal choice.

Choice D rationale:

Wet-to-dry gauze dressings (Choice D) involve placing moist saline gauze onto a wound bed and allowing it to dry before removal. This method is used for mechanical debridement of wounds with necrotic tissue, and it's not suitable for a stage I pressure ulcer. In fact, using wet-to-dry dressings on a superficial wound could cause trauma and hinder healing.

Choice A rationale:

Justice. Justice refers to fair and equitable treatment for all individuals. While it is an important ethical principle, it does not directly relate to the nurse's action of returning a telephone call promptly and as promised. Justice involves issues of fairness and distribution of resources, and it's not the most applicable principle in this context.

Choice B rationale:

Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence refers to the principle of "do no harm." While it is crucial in healthcare, it doesn't directly address the nurse's action of returning a client's call promptly. This principle is more concerned with preventing harm in clinical interventions and decision-making.

Choice C rationale:

Fidelity. Fidelity, or faithfulness, is the ethical principle that aligns with the nurse's action in this scenario. By returning the call by the end of the day as promised, the nurse is demonstrating fidelity to the client's trust and expectations. This principle emphasizes the importance of keeping promises and being loyal to commitments made to clients.

Choice D rationale:

Autonomy. Autonomy pertains to an individual's right to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. While autonomy is a vital principle in healthcare, it does not directly relate to the nurse's action of returning a telephone call promptly. Autonomy focuses more on involving the client in their care decisions and respecting their choices.