Nurse H is providing care in the hospital for a 71-year-old male patient who is in the late stages of cancer and who has painful bone metastases. The client is non-responsive but groans and grimaces intermittently. Nurse H is drawing up a breakthrough dose of morphine for the patient, but Nurse R cautions that, "sure, that will address his pain, but it could depress his respiratory drive and actually kill him at this stage.". Which of the following ethical principles is Nurse R prioritizing?

A) Nonmaleficence
B) Justice
C) Beneficence
D) Fidelity


A
Feedback:
Nurse R's emphasis on preventing harm to the patient, even during an act that may be motivated by altruism, is characteristic of the principle of nonmaleficence.

Nursing

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A patient diagnosed with sepsis suddenly develops dyspnea, crackles, agitation, and confusion. The nurse recognizes these are symptoms of which health problem?

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