Mr. Bains is a 70-year-old man who has been recently diagnosed with colon cancer. Mr. Bains is adamant that he does not want to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy, citing the unpleasant side effects and the absence of a guaranteed cure
His wife, however, is distraught
that he would "give up so quickly" and begs the nurse to convince him to pursue treatment.
Which of the following ethical principles would underlie the nurse's decision to respect Mr.
Bains' informed choice?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Fidelity
D) Autonomy
Ans: D
Autonomy involves the right of self-determination or choice, independence, and
freedom. As such, an expression of autonomy would involve respecting the patient's wishes
even if they are unusual or opposed by family members. Beneficence and nonmaleficence
denote doing good and avoiding harm. Fidelity refers to the obligation to be faithful to the
agreements and commitments.
You might also like to view...
The nurse reviews the patient's medical history and determines class II antiarrhythmics are contraindicated due to the patient's history of what condition?
A) Asthma B) Colitis C) Migraine headache D) Antidiarrheals
A nurse is assessing a client's vital signs at a health care facility. The nurse observes that the client is sweating profusely. Which of the following causes a client to sweat?
A) Medulla B) Hypothalamus C) Cerebellum D) Pituitary gland
Good nutrition is needed for
a. proper growth and development b. healing of wounds c. maintaining proper body functions d. all of these
In assessing a client with damage to the occipital lobe, the nurse correlates which clinical manifestation to this injury?
a. Intentional tremors b. Visual changes c. Decreased hearing d. Inability to formulate words