An occupational health nurse works in a chemical plant that follows the precautionary principle. Which of the following actions exemplifies this principle?
A) Taking preventative action even with uncertainty about the threat to health
B) Taking preventative action only when scientific evidence points to a threat to health
C) Taking action only when a cause-and-effect relationship has been proven
D) Taking action only when the risk is unacceptable
A) Taking preventative action even with uncertainty about the threat to health
Explanation: A) One approach to risk assessment is precautionary principle, which asserts that interventions must be taken when an environmental threat to human health is feasible, even if scientific evidence is not conclusive.
B) Although risk assessments are done on environmental exposure, there may not be scientific evidence on every cause; therefore, the prevention principle covers what may occur in a setting.
C) The precautionary principle asserts that interventions must be taken when an environmental threat to human health is feasible. Not taking action unless an effect is seen may be too late and is not sound nursing practice.
D) Again, sound nursing practice is taking action to prevent a risk, not waiting for one to occur and cause injury.
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