A nurse is preparing a client's body for a postmortem family viewing.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Fidelity, also known as loyalty or faithfulness, refers to the nurse's commitment to keeping promises and fulfilling their responsibilities to the client. By promising to walk with the client in the outdoor courtyard each day, the nurse is demonstrating fidelity by maintaining their commitment to the client's well-being and providing the support needed to alleviate anxiety.

Autonomy refers to the client's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. While the nurse's promise supports the client's autonomy by accommodating their preference for exercising in the courtyard, it is not the principle being demonstrated by the nurse.

Justice refers to fairness and equality in healthcare, ensuring equitable treatment and distribution of resources. While justice is an important ethical principle, it is not directly applicable in this situation.

Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm and taking action to prevent harm to the client. While the nurse's promise of walking with the client aligns with the goal of reducing anxiety, it is not specifically related to preventing harm.

The presence of edema and coolness around the catheter's insertion site suggests that infiltration may have occurred. Infiltration refers to the unintended leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissues instead of flowing into the vein. It can lead to tissue damage and compromised circulation. Stopping the infusion is the initial priority to prevent further infiltration and minimize potential harm to the client.
A. Applying a warm compress may be appropriate to promote comfort and circulation in some cases, but it should be done after stopping the infusion and assessing the severity of the infiltration.
B. Documenting the infiltration is necessary for accurate record-keeping and to communicate the occurrence to the healthcare team. However, it is not the first immediate action required in this situation.
D. Elevating the arm can help reduce swelling and promote venous return. It can be done after stopping the infusion, but it is not the first action to address the potential infiltration.