Question

Which ethical principle is violated when the nurse promises to administer pain medication to the patient every 2 hours throughout the shift then fails to do so?

Answer 1

The ethical principle that is violated is nonmaleficence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical principle that is violated when the nurse promises to administer pain medication to the patient every 2 hours throughout the shift but fails to do so is the principle of nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the principle that requires healthcare professionals to act in ways that do not cause harm to others.

In this case, the nurse's failure to administer the pain medication as promised could potentially cause harm to the patient by not adequately controlling their pain. This violation of nonmalificence is particularly serious because pain management is an important aspect of patient care. The nurse should have prioritized the patient's well-being and fulfilled their promise to administer the pain medication at the designated intervals throughout the shift.