Correlate the following foundational ethical principles with the nursing action that best demonstrates their application in clinical practice.
- VeracityTruthfully answering a client's direct question about their laboratory results despite the family's request to withhold the information.
- FidelityFollowing through on a commitment to return to a client's room in 20 minutes with requested pain medication.
- BeneficenceInitiating skin breakdown prevention protocols for a bedbound client to actively promote their well-being.
- JusticeTriaging mass casualty victims based on the severity of their injuries rather than their socioeconomic status.
Answer
Veracity pairs with truthfully answering questions about lab results; Fidelity pairs with following through on a commitment to return with medication; Beneficence pairs with initiating prevention protocols to promote well-being; Justice pairs with triaging victims based on injury severity rather than socioeconomic status.
Each nursing action directly aligns with the core definition of the ethical principle it pairs with. Veracity is demonstrated by honesty (answering lab results truthfully). Fidelity is demonstrated by promise-keeping (returning in 20 minutes). Beneficence is demonstrated by doing good (preventing skin breakdown). Justice is demonstrated by fairness (equitable triage).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Ethical Principles in Nursing Practice