A patient is identified to participate in a new drug study, but does not understand the drug or the study. Which ethical principle should the nurse use to prevent the patient from participating in the study?

Question

a. Veracity
b. Autonomy
c. Nonmaleficence
d. Standard of Best Interest

Answer 1

ANS: C
C. The principle of nonmaleficence requires a nurse to protect from harm those who cannot protect themselves such as the mentally incompetent or the unconscious. A. Veracity is the virtue of truthfulness. B. Autonomy refers to individuals who are considered capable and competent making health care decisions for themselves. D. The best interest standard involves the determination of what action is best for the patient. This is usually for patients who are unconscious or medically incompetent and cannot make decisions for themselves. Family members together with HCPs usually make the best-interest determination.