A 24-year-old man with severe cognitive impairment, and no relatives participating in his care, needs to make a decision about removal of a brain tumor that will render him totally dependent for completion of all activities of daily living. The nurse participates in ethical decision making on his behalf, knowing that the client is unable to benefit from which of the following ethical concepts?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the client is cognitively delayed and is unable to understand explanations of treatment that would be given to him, the client is unable to be autonomous in making a decision regarding neurosurgery.

A 24-Year-Old Man with Severe Cognitive Impairment, and No Relatives