Question

A home health nurse who performs a careful safety assessment of the home of a frail elderly patient to prevent harm to the patient is acting in accord with which of the following, a principle of bioethics?

1) Nonmaleficence
2) Advocacy
3) Morals
4) Values

Answer 1

A home health nurse performing a safety assessment for a frail elderly patient is acting in accordance with the principle of nonmaleficence, which is the bioethical principle that one should not cause harm to others.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principle of nonmaleficence is the bioethical principle that requires actions to not cause harm to others. A home health nurse performing a careful safety assessment of the home of a frail elderly patient to prevent harm is aligned with this principle. In clinical settings, this signifies that any procedures, treatments, or tests that may lead to harming the patient are carried out only when they are deemed necessary for the patient's effective treatment.

By assessing the safety of a patient's home, the nurse is taking precautions to avoid any potential risks, thereby following the principle of nonmaleficence, which takes precedence over causing harm. This proactive approach also embodies the principle of beneficence, as it aims to generate a beneficial outcome for the patient's well-being.

Moreover, care ethics dictate that care and respect for an individual's health and welfare should be at the forefront of healthcare deliberations—ensuring that the profession’s morals and values are centered on compassion and responsibility toward patients.