A nurse is planning postoperative care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse plan to have at the client's bedside?

A. Veracity: Veracity refers to the ethical principle of truthfulness or honesty. By informing the client about the potential adverse effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and reassuring them that it should not affect their memory, the nurse is demonstrating truthfulness and providing accurate information to the client.
B. Fidelity: Fidelity pertains to the ethical principle of faithfulness or honoring commitments and promises made to clients. While important, fidelity is not directly demonstrated in this scenario.
C. Beneficence: Beneficence involves the ethical principle of doing good or acting in the best interest of the client to promote their well-being. While providing information about the potential adverse effects of TMS is aligned with beneficence, the specific action described in the scenario focuses more on truthfulness (veracity).
D. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the ethical principle of respecting the client's right to make their own decisions and choices regarding their healthcare. While autonomy is important in healthcare decision-making, it is not directly demonstrated in this scenario, as the nurse is providing information rather than facilitating the client's decision-making process.

A. "Did anything in particular make you feel this way?" - While exploring potential triggers for the client's feelings of uselessness is important, assessing for suicidal ideation takes precedence. However, this question can be asked after addressing the immediate safety concern.
B. "Do you ever think about harming yourself?" - This is the priority assessment question. Older adults experiencing feelings of uselessness and worthlessness may be at risk for suicidal ideation or self-harm. Asking about thoughts of self-harm allows the nurse to assess the client's safety and determine the need for immediate intervention.
C. "How long have you had these feelings of uselessness?" - While understanding the duration of the client's feelings is relevant, assessing for suicidal ideation is more critical in ensuring the client's safety.
D. "Would you tell me more about the changes you see in your body?" - Exploring the client's perception of physical changes is important for addressing body image concerns and promoting self-esteem. However, assessing for suicidal ideation takes precedence as it addresses the client's immediate safety.