What is the appropriate action for a registered nurse regarding assisted suicide?

• A. It is mandatory to assist in all cases.
• B. It is allowed if the patient consents.
• C. It is required if the physician approves.
• D. Participation violates the code of ethics.

Answer: (D)

Nurses follow a code of ethics that prohibits helping to end a patient’s life. Assisting in suicide directly ends the patient’s life, which conflicts with the nurse’s duty to preserve life and to provide care that relieves suffering without facilitating death. The ethical standard supports respecting patient autonomy and providing information about options, but it does not allow the nurse to participate in or enable assisted death.

In practice, this means the nurse should continue to offer compassionate end-of-life care, focusing on symptom management, pain relief, psychological and spiritual support, and facilitating informed decisions. The nurse can discuss available options such as palliative care or hospice, ensure the patient’s wishes are clearly documented, and coordinate with the care team to uphold the patient’s comfort and dignity.

Consent or physician approval does not change this ethical boundary. The professional obligation remains to avoid involvement in actions intended to end a life, while still supporting the patient and family through non–life-ending care and appropriate referrals.