The acute care clinic nurse administers a prescribed narcotic for a client with renal colic and then discharges the client without ensuring that the client has a designated driver. The client is subsequently involved in a motor vehicle accident causing injury to self and others. Which ethical principle did the nurse violate?

Question

The acute care clinic nurse administers a prescribed narcotic for a client with renal colic and then discharges the client without ensuring that the client has a designated driver.  The client is subsequently involved in a motor vehicle accident causing injury to self and others.  Which ethical principle did the nurse violate?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse violated the ethical principle "nonmaleficence" (ie, do no harm). It is rare to see a nurse inflict intentional harm. However, problems do occur due to unintentional harm, which is usually a result of poor clinical judgment. Beneficence is a nurse's duty to promote good and do what is best for the client. (Option A) Autonomy is allowing the clients to choose the direction of their care. This is accomplished with advanced directives along with informed consent and choices regarding proposed treatments. (Option C) Paternalism is a type of beneficence whereby clients are treated as children. The nurse claims to know what is best for the client and coerces the client to act as the nurse wishes without considering the client's autonomy. (Option D) Veracity refers to the duty to tell the truth. This principle should always be applied to client care and documentation. Educational objective: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. All nurses must exercise sound clinical judgment to prevent harm, even if it is unintentional, to their clients.

The Acute Care Clinic Nurse Administers a Prescribed Narcotic for a Client