A nurse is providing care for a surgeon on a medical-surgical unit. A nurse from another unit asks the nurse about the surgeon's medical diagnosis. The nurse responds that he is unable to provide the information requested. The nurse is displaying which of the following ethical principles?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nonmaleficence. The nurse is displaying the ethical principle of nonmaleficence by protecting the surgeon's right to privacy and confidentiality. By refusing to disclose the surgeon's medical diagnosis, the nurse is upholding the duty to do no harm by preventing potential harm that could result from unauthorized disclosure. This action also respects the surgeon's autonomy and right to control their own personal health information. Summary: A: Utility - This ethical principle focuses on maximizing overall benefit or happiness. The nurse's action does not relate to this principle. B: Paternalism - This ethical principle involves making decisions on behalf of the patient for their own good. The nurse's action does not involve making decisions but rather respecting the surgeon's autonomy. C: Justice - This ethical principle pertains to fairness and equal treatment. The nurse's action does not directly relate to this principle in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Experimental research design. This design is most appropriate for investigating cause-and-effect relationships because it involves manipulating an independent variable to observe the effect on a dependent variable, allowing for establishing causal relationships. Descriptive research (A) is used to describe characteristics of a population but does not establish causation. Correlational research (B) examines relationships between variables but does not determine causation. Qualitative research (D) focuses on exploring attitudes, beliefs, and experiences but does not typically investigate cause-and-effect relationships.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nonmaleficence. The nurse is upholding the ethical principle of nonmaleficence by protecting the surgeon's right to privacy and confidentiality. By refusing to disclose the medical diagnosis, the nurse is preventing potential harm or breach of trust. This aligns with the ethical duty to do no harm and prioritize the well-being and autonomy of the patient. Summary of other choices: A: Utility focuses on maximizing overall good outcomes, not relevant in this scenario. B: Paternalism involves making decisions for the patient's best interest without their input, not applicable in this situation. C: Justice pertains to fairness and equitable treatment, not directly related to the nurse's response in maintaining confidentiality.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it is recommended to change toothbrushes every 3 months to maintain effective cleaning and prevent bacterial buildup. Regularly changing toothbrushes ensures the bristles remain firm and effective in removing plaque and bacteria. Choice B of changing toothbrushes every birthday is not as precise and may result in using a worn-out toothbrush. Choices C and D are left blank as they are irrelevant and not related to the recommended practice of changing toothbrushes regularly.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, wear goggles. Goggles provide eye protection against airborne particles, preventing entry through the mucous membranes. Wearing a mask alone does not protect the eyes, leaving them vulnerable to infection. Choice C and D are not given, so they are automatically incorrect. In summary, wearing goggles is crucial for comprehensive protection against airborne diseases, while wearing a mask alone may not provide complete protection.