Which action by the nurse shows an understanding of the principle of self-determination?
a. Allowing a postoperative client to decide to take medication with fruit juice ra-ther than water
b. Allowing a teenager to decide not to go to a clinic when there is evidence that she is having profuse vaginal bleeding
c. Allowing a parent to decide not to proceed with a lifesaving operation for a 12-year-old client
d. Allowing an older client with dementia to decide not to take cardiac medication throughout the shift
A
Respect for people is one of three basic ethical principles that nurses and other health care professionals should use as a basis for clinical decision making. Respect implies that clients are treated as autonomous individuals capable of making informed decisions about their care. This client autonomy is referred to as self-determination, or self-management, and is best illustrated by allowing a client to decide to take medication with fruit juice rather than water. The other answer choices would not illustrate self-determination appropriately and might possibly endanger the client's life.
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