The nurse is caring for a newborn infant who has Down syndrome. Which nursing action reflects the nurse's use of the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
A) The nurse speaks truthfully to the parents regarding their child's prognosis.
B) The nurse provides safe, competent nursing care to avoid harming the infant.
C) The nurse involves the parents in making health care decisions for their child.
D) The nurse fairly allocates resources for caring for newborns in a facility.
Ans: B
Ethics includes the basic principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, veracity, and fidelity. Nonmaleficence means avoiding causing harm, intentionally or unintentionally. One example is providing safe, competent nursing care. Speaking truthfully to the parents is an example of veracity. Generally, parents have the autonomy to make health care decisions for their child. Justice refers to acting fairly, and also involves allocating resources fairly.
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