A nurse is researching data about best practice for reducing medication errors on a surgical unit. Which of the following steps of evidence based practice (EBP) is the nurse taking?

Explanation:

A. Arrange referral for family therapy to deal with home stressors:

While family therapy may be beneficial for addressing home stressors, it is not the first step when there is a suspicion of physical abuse. The priority in cases of suspected abuse is to ensure the client's safety and to report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities.

B. Follow the agency's guidelines for reporting suspected abuse:

This is the correct action to take first. Nurses are mandated reporters, and they must follow their agency's protocols and legal requirements for reporting suspected abuse. Reporting ensures that the client's situation is investigated promptly, and appropriate interventions are implemented to protect the client.

C. Check the bruises at the next visit to the client's home:

Delaying action and waiting until the next visit to check the bruises is not appropriate in cases of suspected abuse. Immediate action is necessary to address the safety of the client. Suspected abuse should be reported promptly to the relevant authorities for investigation.

D. Institute more frequent visits to the client's home:

Increasing the frequency of visits may not address the immediate safety concerns of the client if abuse is suspected. While increased monitoring may be necessary in certain situations, reporting the suspicion of abuse and initiating appropriate interventions should take precedence.

Explanation:

A. Nonmaleficence: This ethical principle emphasizes the duty of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to patients. It involves refraining from actions that could potentially harm the patient, whether physical, emotional, psychological, or social. Nonmaleficence is about acting in a way that promotes the well-being and safety of patients and avoiding actions that could result in harm or injury.

B. Fidelity: Fidelity pertains to the faithfulness, loyalty, and honoring of commitments and promises made to patients. It involves maintaining trust and being truthful in interactions with patients.

C. Beneficence: Beneficence involves the obligation to do good and promote the well-being of patients. It includes actions aimed at benefiting patients, such as providing effective treatments, interventions, and support to improve their health outcomes and quality of life.

D. Justice: Justice relates to fairness and equality in healthcare. It involves the fair distribution of resources, allocation of care, and treatment decisions without discrimination or bias, ensuring that all patients receive equitable care based on their needs and circumstances.