A nurse on the Medical-Surgical unit is caring for a patient with a surgical incision that eviscerates. Which actions will the nurse take? (Select all that apply.).

Choice A rationale:

Keeping a promise to a client not to tell their family about their diagnosis is an example of fidelity, respecting confidentiality and maintaining trust. However, it does not directly reflect the ethical principle of beneficence, which focuses on actions that promote the patient's well-being and best interests.

Choice B rationale:

Providing therapeutic touch to a dying patient by holding their hand is an example of beneficence. This action demonstrates compassion, emotional support, and comfort to the patient in a critical and vulnerable time. It promotes the patient's well-being by addressing their emotional and psychological needs.

Choice C rationale:

Involving a client in making decisions about their care is an example of respecting their autonomy and practicing shared decision-making. While this action is important and aligns with the principle of autonomy, it is not a direct example of beneficence, which centers on actively doing good for the patient.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the truth about forgetting to perform a procedure for a client is an example of honesty and integrity, which are essential ethical principles in nursing. However, it does not directly relate to beneficence, which emphasizes actions that actively contribute to the patient's well-being and benefit.

Choice A rationale:

Washing hands for 5 to 10 seconds prior to administering medication is indeed an important safety measure, but it is not specifically related to changing or applying a transdermal patch. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infection, but it doesn't directly address the process of applying a patch.

Choice B rationale:

Applying the patch over a non-hairy area within the patient's skin is the correct answer. This is crucial because hair can interfere with the adhesion of the patch, leading to inadequate drug absorption. The rationale behind this is to ensure that the medication is effectively delivered through the skin into the bloodstream without any barriers such as hair. It's also important to choose a site that is clean, dry, and free from cuts or irritation.

Choice C rationale:

Leaving the previous medication patch in place is not recommended. It's essential to remove the old patch before applying a new one to prevent accumulation of the medication and to ensure accurate dosing. Failing to remove the previous patch could lead to an overdose or altered drug effects.

Choice D rationale:

Ensuring that the patient is lying down is not a specific safety measure for changing or applying a transdermal patch. The patient's position doesn't directly impact the effectiveness of the patch or the safety of the application process.