A nurse withholds an opioid from a patient due to fear of addiction. This illustrates which ethical principle?

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Multiple Choice

A nurse withholds an opioid from a patient due to fear of addiction. This illustrates which ethical principle?

Beneficence means acting to promote the patient’s well-being and prevent harm. In this scenario, withholding an opioid because of fear of addiction is an action taken to protect the patient from potential harm and long-term negative outcomes, such as misuse, dependence, or adverse effects, with the aim of supporting overall health and safety. The nurse is prioritizing the patient’s welfare by trying to minimize risks, even if it means not providing immediate analgesia. This differs from autonomy, which centers on honoring the patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care; withholding treatment without patient involvement would not respect autonomy. Veracity is about truth-telling and honesty in communication, not about the decision to withhold medication. While some might view this as paternalistic—the provider deciding what’s best for the patient—the governing ethical thrust here is beneficence: the action is taken to benefit the patient and prevent harm, prioritizing safety and long-term welfare. In practice, such decisions should involve discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives with the patient when possible.

Beneficence means acting to promote the patient’s well-being and prevent harm. In this scenario, withholding an opioid because of fear of addiction is an action taken to protect the patient from potential harm and long-term negative outcomes, such as misuse, dependence, or adverse effects, with the aim of supporting overall health and safety. The nurse is prioritizing the patient’s welfare by trying to minimize risks, even if it means not providing immediate analgesia.

This differs from autonomy, which centers on honoring the patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care; withholding treatment without patient involvement would not respect autonomy. Veracity is about truth-telling and honesty in communication, not about the decision to withhold medication. While some might view this as paternalistic—the provider deciding what’s best for the patient—the governing ethical thrust here is beneficence: the action is taken to benefit the patient and prevent harm, prioritizing safety and long-term welfare. In practice, such decisions should involve discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives with the patient when possible.

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