When a nurse respects the decision of a client who refuses a blood transfusion, which ethical principle is the nurse upholding?

An idiosyncratic drug effect is an unpredictable and uncommon reaction to a drug that is not related to the dose, the pharmacology, or the patient’s allergy or intolerance. It may be caused by genetic factors, metabolic abnormalities, or interactions with other drugs or substances. An example of an idiosyncratic drug effect is paradoxical agitation or excitement after receiving a sedative.

B. A toxic drug effect is a harmful reaction to a drug that is related to the dose or the pharmacology of the drug. It may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or respiratory depression. A toxic drug effect is unlikely to cause agitation after receiving a sedative unless there is an overdose or a drug interaction that increases the level of the sedative in the blood.

C. An allergic drug response is an immunological reaction to a drug that is not related to the dose or the pharmacology of the drug. It may cause symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, fever, or anaphylaxis. An allergic drug response is unlikely to cause agitation after receiving a sedative unless there is a severe anaphylactic reaction that affects the brain or the circulation.

D. An unexpected drug interaction is a modification of the effect of one drug by another drug or substance that is not predictable based on their pharmacology. It may cause an increase or a decrease in the efficacy or toxicity of one or both drugs. An unexpected drug interaction may cause agitation after receiving a sedative if there is a synergistic effect that enhances the central nervous system stimulation of another drug or substance (such as caffeine, cocaine, or amphetamines) or if there is an antagonistic effect that reduces the central nervous system depression of the sedative (such as flumazenil, naloxone, or physostigmine). However, these interactions are usually known and avoidable by checking the patient’s history and medication list.

I’d like to hear what you are thinking.” This response by the nurse would most likely prompt the client to elaborate on their concerns because it acknowledges the uncertainty of the situation and invites the client to share their feelings and thoughts.

It also shows empathy and respect for the client’s perspective.

Choice A is wrong because it may give false reassurance or minimize the client’s anxiety. Biopsies are not always negative and the nurse cannot predict the outcome.

Choice B is wrong because it may imply that the nurse is avoiding the question or shifting the responsibility to the health care provider.

It also does not address the client’s emotional state or encourage communication.

Choice D is wrong because it may dismiss the client’s fears or imply that they are irrational. It also does not explore the client’s understanding of the procedure or the possible results.

A uterine biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small piece of tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for examination under a microscope. It is usually done to diagnose abnormal bleeding, infections, or cancer. The normal range of endometrial thickness varies depending on the menstrual cycle, age, and hormonal status of the woman.