A patient who is terminally ill is experiencing great pain. To relieve the patient's suffering, the nurse needs to administer larger doses of morphine. This relieves the pain but also inhibits respiration. Which principle justifies the risk of harm?
a. Justice
b. Fidelity
c. Veracity
d. Double effect
ANS: D
A
Justice relates to equal treatment of all.
B
Fidelity is faithfulness to one's commitments.
C
Veracity is being truthful.
D
The principle of double effect addresses actions that may result in a negative effect if the end result is good. The end point justifies the risk of harm.
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