Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Related

Review Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing related questions and content

A 13-year-old female is brought to the family planning clinic by her enraged father, who has just learned that she is pregnant. The pregnant client states, "I want to have this baby and give it up for adoption." However, the father is adamant that she will disgrace the family and demands that the health care providers tell his daughter that she has a physical condition that would prohibit her from carrying this baby to a viable stage. The nurse realizes that this is a conflict that involves the ethical principle of:

  • A. deontology.
  • B. veracity.
  • C. autonomy.
  • D. beneficence.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: autonomy. Autonomy refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse treatment. In this scenario, the 13-year-old female has expressed her desire to have the baby and give it up for adoption. By respecting her autonomy, healthcare providers must support her decision, even if it goes against her father's wishes.

A: Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and duties. While autonomy is a principle within deontology, the main focus in this scenario is on respecting the patient's autonomy rather than following a specific moral rule.
B: Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling. While honesty is important in healthcare, the main issue in this scenario is respecting the patient's autonomy rather than truth-telling.
D: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and promote the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, respecting the patient's autonomy is