Question

Develop and write a medical scenario for each of the ethical principles

Answer 1

The four main ethical principles in healthcare are autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Each principle can be illustrated with a medical scenario.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are four main ethical principles that guide our thinking in healthcare: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Let's develop a medical scenario for each principle:

1. Autonomy: Suppose a patient with a terminal illness wants to stop aggressive treatment and live out their remaining days peacefully at home. Respecting the patient's autonomy means honoring their decision and providing palliative care.
2. Beneficence: Imagine a doctor recommending a new medication to a patient with a chronic condition, explaining how it could improve their quality of life. The doctor's intention to benefit the patient aligns with the principle of beneficence.
3. Nonmaleficence: Consider a surgeon aiming to remove a cancerous tumor in a delicate area. The surgeon must be highly skilled and cautious to avoid causing harm to the patient, adhering to the principle of nonmaleficence.
4. Justice: In a crowded emergency room, a triage nurse must prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions, ensuring fair allocation of limited resources and equal access to medical care, demonstrating the principle of justice.