Question

Difficulty: MediumEthical Practice

Match each clinical nursing action with the core ethical principle it most directly demonstrates.

  • A nurse provides honest information about a terminal diagnosis when the client asks, despite the family's request to withhold this information.Veracity
  • A nurse respects a competent adult client's informed decision to leave the hospital against medical advice (AMA).Autonomy
  • A nurse contacts the healthcare provider to request an adjustment to the pain management plan for a client experiencing uncontrolled discomfort.Beneficence
  • A nurse questions a medication prescription because the dosage appears unusually high for the client's weight and renal function.Nonmaleficence

Answer

The correct matches are: Honest information relates to Veracity; Leaving AMA relates to Autonomy; Advocating for pain relief relates to Beneficence; Questioning an unsafe dosage relates to Nonmaleficence.
Each nursing action directly aligns with its corresponding ethical principle. Veracity is truth-telling; autonomy is self-determination; beneficence is doing good; and nonmaleficence is avoiding harm.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the action of providing honest information about a terminal diagnosis despite family objections.
Matches with Veracity.
Veracity requires the nurse to tell the truth and not deceive clients about their health status.
2
Analyze the action of respecting a competent client's decision to leave against medical advice.
Matches with Autonomy.
Autonomy involves respecting the client's right to self-determination and independent decision-making.
3
Analyze the action of advocating for improved pain management.
Matches with Beneficence.
Beneficence is the duty to do good and maximize benefits for the client.
4
Analyze the action of questioning a potentially unsafe medication dosage.
Matches with Nonmaleficence.
Nonmaleficence is the fundamental duty to do no harm and protect clients from injury.

Key Concept

Core Ethical Principles in Nursing Practice
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