The emergency department nurse provides care to a 17-year-old patient who is diagnosed with cervical cancer secondary to human papillomavirus. The patient declines treatment and states, "I don't want my parents to know I have been sexually active. If they find out about the cancer, they'll know I have been having sex." When planning a course of action, the nurse recognizes a conflict between the ethical principles of nonmaleficence and __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conflict arises between nonmaleficence, which is the principle of doing no harm, and autonomy, which is the principle that respects the patient's right to make their own decisions. In this case, the patient's decision to decline treatment to avoid disclosure of sexual activity conflicts with the principle of doing no harm, as declining treatment could lead to harm or worsening of the patient's condition.

The Emergency Department Nurse Provides Care to a 17-Year-Old Patient