A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who expresses anxiety about exercising in the outdoor courtyard. The nurse promises to walk with the client in the courtyard each day. Which of the following ethical principles is the nurse demonstrating?
A.
Autonomy
B.
Justice
C.
Nonmaleficence
D.
Fidelity
E.
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The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The ethical principle demonstrated by the nurse in this scenario is D. Fidelity.
Fidelity refers to the ethical principle of being faithful to one’s commitments and promises. In this case, the nurse has made a commitment to the client to walk with them in the outdoor courtyard each day to address their anxiety about exercising outside. This promise is a demonstration of fidelity because the nurse is showing loyalty and honoring their commitment to support the client’s needs and concerns.
Let’s break down why the other options are less applicable:
- Autonomy: This principle refers to respecting and supporting a patient’s right to make their own decisions. While the nurse’s actions support the client’s autonomy by respecting their expressed concerns, the specific act of walking with the client is more directly related to the principle of fidelity. Autonomy would be more about supporting the client’s choice to exercise or not.
- Justice: This principle involves fairness and equal treatment. It ensures that clients receive equitable care and resources. While fairness is important in nursing care, the nurse’s promise to walk with the client is a personal commitment rather than a matter of distributing resources or ensuring fairness in care.
- Nonmaleficence: This principle focuses on “doing no harm” and preventing harm to the client. The nurse’s action of walking with the client is aimed at providing support and reducing anxiety rather than directly addressing the avoidance of harm. It’s more about meeting a commitment than preventing harm.
In summary, the nurse’s promise to walk with the client in the courtyard each day demonstrates fidelity because it involves honoring a commitment and being loyal to the client’s expressed needs and concerns. This action reflects the nurse’s dedication to maintaining trust and reliability in their professional relationship with the client.