Final answer:
The nurse is applying the principle of non-maleficence by administering medications using the 'five rights' checklist, which prevents patient harm by ensuring the correct administration of medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ethical principle of non-maleficence dictates that healthcare professionals should act in ways that do not cause harm to patients. In the context of nursing, applying non-maleficence means that a nurse is committed to ensuring patient safety and avoiding any unnecessary harm during care. The options provided in the question all integrate various ethical principles, but the most accurate description of non-maleficence in action would be administering medications using the 'five rights'. These rights serve as a checklist to safeguard against medication errors, ensuring the right patient receives the right medication at the right dose, through the right route, and at the right time. This careful process directly aligns with the principle of non-maleficence as it aims to protect patients from potential harm that could be caused by improper medication administration.
It is important to note that while the other options may involve elements of non-maleficence, they are more closely related to the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice. For example, allowing clients to be active participants in their care aligns with the principle of autonomy, which respects the patients' right to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The referral to a physical therapist could be associated with the principle of beneficence, which involves actions that benefit the patient. Lastly, ensuring patient privacy is also crucial, but it is a general expectation in all healthcare interactions and not specific to the principle of non-maleficence.