Question

Chemotherapy has side effects, but it is a viable treatment option.

Non-maleficence is the avoidance of harm. Therefore explaining to the patient that chemotherapy has side effects but that it is a viable and often effective treatment option, is practicing non-maleficence. Telling the patient that chemotherapy has no side effects and that it will cure cancer may provide false assurance. Stating that starting chemotherapy is the health care provider's decision violates the principle of autonomy.

Answer 1

Non-maleficence in medical ethics refers to avoiding harm to patients where possible, which means fully disclosing the potential side effects of chemotherapy and respecting the patient's autonomy in treatment decisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of medical treatment, the principle of non-maleficence implies that healthcare providers should not harm the patient. This is highly relevant for treatments like chemotherapy because while chemotherapy has side effects, it remains a viable treatment option in the fight against cancer. The side effects, which can include nausea, hair loss, and possibly inducing another cancer, result from the drugs targeting rapidly dividing cells, a category that encompasses not only cancer cells but also normal cells in the hair follicles, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract. These effects underscore the importance of not providing false assurance to patients about the potential for harm.

Telling patients that chemotherapy will cure cancer without any side effects undermines the principle of non-maleficence, as it may lead to harm from the patient not being fully prepared or informed. Additionally, healthcare decisions including starting chemotherapy must respect the patient's autonomy, allowing them to make informed choices about their own care based on all available information, including the potential for side effects and the relative effectiveness of the treatment.