What ethical principle did the nurse violate by discharging a client without ensuring they had a designated driver after administering a narcotic?

The ethical principle of nonmaleficence refers to the obligation of healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to their patients. By discharging a client who has just received a narcotic without ensuring they had a designated driver, the nurse potentially exposed the client to significant risk. Narcotics can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it unsafe for the client to operate a vehicle. Thus, by failing to secure a safe means for the patient to travel home, the nurse violated the principle of nonmaleficence, as the action could result in harm to the client or others on the road.

This situation underscores the importance of taking appropriate measures to protect patients after administering medications that have the potential to compromise their safety. Prioritizing nonmaleficence means ensuring that patients leave in a state that won’t lead to harm, thereby fostering a safe environment for care and support.