A nurse is reinforcing teaching about HbA1c with a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Justice is the ethical principle of treating the patient fairly and equally among staff when making assignments. The charge nurse is upholding this principle by ensuring that the workload is distributed evenly and that no staff member is overburdened or underutilized.

Choice A is wrong because Veracity is wrong because veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth to the patient.

This principle is not relevant to the scenario of making assignments.

Choice C is wrong because Autonomy is wrong because autonomy is the ethical principle of respecting the patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions.

This principle is not relevant to the scenario of making assignments.

Choice D is wrong because Fidelity is wrong because fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises to the patient.

This principle is not relevant to the scenario of making assignments.

The nurse should determine if the client has prepared their advance directives, which are legal documents that specify the client’s wishes regarding medical care in case they become incapacitated. Advance directives can include a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care, or a do-not-resuscitate order. The nurse should respect the client’s autonomy and right to self-determination by asking about their advance directives and ensuring that they are documented and followed.

Choice A is wrong because the nurse should not delay the admission while the client fills out the facility’s advance directives form.

The client has the right to refuse or accept any treatment, including filling out an advance directives form.

The nurse should inform the client about the benefits of having advance directives, but should not coerce or pressure them to complete one.

Choice B is wrong because the nurse should not confirm with the client’s family that the consent form has been signed.

The consent form is a legal document that indicates that the client has given informed consent for the surgery, which means that they have received adequate information about the procedure, its risks and benefits, and alternative options.

The consent form should be signed by the client, unless they are a minor, mentally incompetent, or unable to communicate.

The nurse should verify that the consent form has been signed by the client or their legal representative before the surgery.

Choice C is wrong because the nurse should not explain to the client that signing the facility’s consent form means they cannot refuse care.

Signing the consent form does not waive the client’s right to withdraw consent at any time before or during the surgery.

The nurse should inform the client that they can change their mind and refuse care at any point, and that their decision will be respected and honored.