An assistive personnel (AP) reports a client's vital signs as tympanic temperature 37.1° C (98.8° F), pulse 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, and BP 88/58 mm Hg. Which of the following vital signs should the nurse re-measure?

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:

This choice is correct. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. Contact precautions are designed to prevent the spread of infections that are transmitted through direct or indirect contact. These precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when in contact with the client or their environment.

Choice B rationale:

Droplet precautions are not appropriate for hepatitis B. Droplet precautions are used for infections that are spread through respiratory droplets, like coughing or sneezing. Hepatitis B is not primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Choice C rationale:

Standard precautions involve the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection to prevent the transmission of infections. While these precautions should always be practiced, they are not specifically tailored to hepatitis B, which has its own set of precautions.

Choice D rationale:

Airborne precautions are used for infections that are spread through small respiratory particles that remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through airborne routes, so airborne precautions are not necessary.