Which situation illustrates the ethical principle of autonomy being applied in drug administration?
A) The patient/client has the right to refuse medication.
B) In drug research, the patient/client has a right to informed consent.
C) A nurse anticipates the untoward effects of drugs that may occur and acts to minimize them.
D) The patient/client's drug therapy and responses are discussed only with people who have the right to know.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Autonomy or self-determination is a form of personal liberty in which a person has the right to decide; know the facts and understand them; and acts without outside force, deceit, or constraints. For the patient/client, this implies a right to be informed about drug therapy and a right to refuse medication. The nurse has an obligation not to lie. In drug research, the patient/client has a right to informed consent. The principle of nonmaleficence holds that the nurse must not inflict harm on the patient/client and must prevent harm whenever possible. The nurse anticipates the untoward effects of drugs that may occur and acts to minimize them. Confidentiality is respect for the information that a nurse learns from professional involvement with patients/clients. A patient/client's drug therapy and responses should be discussed only with people who have a right to know.

Which Situation Illustrates the Ethical Principle of Autonomy Being Applied