Question

A patient complains of 7 out of 10 abdominal pain and requests additional opioids. Current vital signs are heart rate 50, blood pressure 91/72, respiratory rate 11/min, and oxygen saturation 93% on 3 L nasal cannula. The patient has received all scheduled and PRN pain medications and you explain that their vital signs do not support further medication due to the risk for harm. What ethical principle is being upheld in this interaction?

Answer 1

The ethical principle being upheld when refusing to administer additional opioids to a patient with concerning vital signs is nonmaleficence, which means avoiding harm to the patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical principle being upheld in the interaction described is nonmaleficence. This principle dictates that healthcare providers should not cause harm to patients. In this scenario, the patient is requesting additional opioids for their abdominal pain, rated 7 out of 10, but their vital signs are concerning, indicating possible opioid overuse or toxicity (heart rate 50, blood pressure 91/72, respiratory rate 11/min, and oxygen saturation 93% on 3 L nasal cannula).

Given that opioids can cause respiratory depression and further lowering the blood pressure, the risk for serious harm, including the possibility of respiratory failure or overdose, is significant. Therefore, by refusing to give more opioids based on the patient's current vital signs, the healthcare provider is prioritizing the patient's safety and abiding by the ethical principle of nonmaleficence.