Which right of the client is fulfilled when a nurse leader checks back within 30 minutes after administering pain medication?

The correct answer, which is fidelity, relates to the nurse's obligation to act in the best interest of the patient and to uphold promises made regarding their care. When a nurse leader checks back with a patient within 30 minutes after administering pain medication, it demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the medication is effective and that the patient is comfortable. This action reflects the principle of fidelity as it acknowledges the nurse's responsibility to monitor the patient's response and provide follow-up care, thereby honoring the commitment made to the patient for their safety and well-being.

This fulfillment of fidelity is essential in nursing practice, as it reinforces trust between the patient and the healthcare provider, ensuring that patients feel cared for and supported during their treatment. By actively following up, the nurse leader is also engaging in effective communication, which is a critical component of advocating for the patient's needs.

While the other options—autonomy, confidentiality, and justice—are important client rights, they do not specifically pertain to the action of checking back after the administration of medication. Autonomy relates to the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care, confidentiality concerns the protection of patient information, and justice involves fair treatment and access to care. Thus, these concepts, while vital, do not directly relate