The client reports to the nurse that their bowel movements are hard & difficult to pass. Which of the medications taken by the client most likely contributed to this problem? A/An:

A. Sorry: Expressing regret or remorse for an error is important, but it does not fully encompass the ethical responsibility demonstrated in this scenario. While acknowledging the mistake and feeling sorry is essential, the nurse's primary ethical obligation lies in taking appropriate action to rectify the error and prevent harm to the client.

B. Accountable: Being accountable involves taking responsibility for one's actions, including acknowledging errors, reporting them promptly, and taking corrective measures. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates accountability by recognizing the administration of a wrong dose of medication and promptly informing the supervisor. Accountability is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare that promotes transparency, integrity, and patient safety.

C. Altruistic: Altruism involves acting in the best interests of others, often selflessly and without expecting personal gain. While reporting errors and ensuring patient safety can be considered altruistic actions, the primary ethical behavior demonstrated in this scenario is accountability, as the nurse takes responsibility for the medication error.

D. Just: Justice in healthcare refers to fairness, equity, and adherence to ethical principles in the distribution of resources and provision of care. While ensuring justice is an important ethical consideration in healthcare, it is not directly applicable to the nurse's behavior in this scenario. The primary ethical principle demonstrated here is accountability, as the nurse takes responsibility for the medication error and acts to address it appropriately.

A. Responsibility: Responsibility refers to the duty or obligation to fulfill one's role or tasks appropriately. While advocating for the client may be considered a responsibility of the nurse, the specific action described in the scenario—calling the insurance company to strongly explain the client's need for rehabilitation—is more accurately categorized as advocacy.

B. Confidentiality: Confidentiality pertains to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of patient information. The scenario does not involve the disclosure of confidential information but rather advocating for the client's needs regarding their rehabilitation placement.

C. Social justice: Social justice involves promoting fairness, equality, and equitable access to resources and opportunities for all members of society. While advocating for the client may align with principles of social justice, the specific action described in the scenario—calling the insurance company to argue for the client's rehabilitation placement—is more directly related to individual advocacy rather than addressing broader societal inequalities.

D. Advocacy: Advocacy refers to actively supporting and speaking up for the rights, needs, and interests of others. In this scenario, the nurse advocates for the elderly client by calling the insurance company to strongly explain why the client needs to go to a rehabilitation facility despite the facility's refusal. This action demonstrates the nurse's commitment to ensuring the client receives appropriate care and support.