A nurse is turning a bedfast patient to prevent pressure ulcers.The patient complains that the process is painful.The nurse explains the reason for the turning schedule and completes the task.This is an example of the ethical principle of
A) autonomy.
B) fidelity.
C) nonmaleficence.
D) veracity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that requires healthcare professionals to do no harm to patients. In this scenario, the nurse is following the turning schedule to prevent pressure ulcers, which is necessary for the patient's welfare. However, the process causes pain, which is a harm to the patient. Despite this, the nurse is fulfilling their duty to prevent further harm, and the harm caused by the turning is unavoidable.

A Nurse Is Turning a Bedfast Patient to Prevent Pressure