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The physician is suggesting palliative surgery for a patient with advanced pancreatic

cancer. The patient is refusing and expresses his concerns to the nurse. When the nurse advocates for the patient’s wishes at the interdisciplinary team meeting which ethical principle will support this action?


a. Fidelity
b. Justice
c. Non-maleficence
d. Paternalism

User Ishtar
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1 Answer

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The ethical principle will support this action c. Non-maleficence. Therefore , c. Non-maleficence is correct.

Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that healthcare providers should do no harm to their patients.

This means that nurses should always act in the best interest of their patients, even if it means refusing a treatment that the physician recommends.

In this case, the patient is refusing palliative surgery because they are concerned about the risks of the procedure.

The nurse should respect the patient's decision and advocate for their wishes at the interdisciplinary team meeting.

The other options are incorrect:

Fidelity is the ethical principle that healthcare providers should be faithful to their patients.

This means that they should keep their promises and act in accordance with the patient's best interests.

Justice is the ethical principle that healthcare providers should treat all patients fairly and equitably.

This means that they should not discriminate against any patients based on their race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.

Paternalism is the ethical principle that healthcare providers should make decisions for their patients without their consent.

This is considered to be unethical because it violates the patient's right to self-determination.

User Marimuthu Madasamy
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