A nurse supports the physician's decision to withhold full disclosure of the patient's poor prognosis as the physician believes the patient is not strong enough to handle the bad news. While violating patient autonomy, what ethical principle is the physician using to support this act of paternalism?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The physician is using the ethical principle of beneficence to support the act of paternalism. Beneficence refers to the principle that healthcare providers must act in the best interest of the patient and do no harm. The physician believes that withholding full disclosure of the patient's poor prognosis is in the patient's best interest as the patient is not strong enough to handle the bad news. While this decision violates the patient's autonomy, the physician believes that it will ultimately benefit the patient.

A Nurse Supports the Physician's Decision to Withhold Full Disclosure