1. 1.ID: 22114995478

A client with leukemia is being considered for a bone marrow transplant. The healthcare

team is discussing the risks and benefits of this treatment and other possible

treatments with the goal of inflicting the least possible harm on the client. Which

principle of healthcare ethics is the team practicing?

A. Justice

B. Fidelity

C. Autonomy

D. Nonmaleficence Correct

Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the avoidance of hurt or harm. Remember that in

healthcare ethics, ethical practice involves not only the will to do good but also the

equal commitment to do no harm. Healthcare professionals try to balance the risks and

benefits of a plan of care while striving to do the least possible harm. Justice refers to

fairness and equity and ensuring fair allocation of resources, such as nursing care for all

clients. Fidelity is the keeping of promises made to clients, families, and other

healthcare professionals. Autonomy refers to a person’s independence and represents

an agreement to respect another’s right to determine his or her course of action.

Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the subject - the ethical principle being utilized.

Recall the definition of each item in the options. Note the relationship of the strategic

words “least possible harm“ in the question and the definition of nonmaleficence.

Review: Nonmaleficience

Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying

Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment

Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation

Content Area: Ethical/Legal

Giddens Concepts: Celluar Regulation, Ethics

HESI Concepts: Advocacy/Ethical/Legal Issues, Cellular Regulation

Awarded 96.0 points out of 96.0 possible points.

2. 2.ID: 22114995475

Which action by the nurse represents the ethical principle of beneficence?

A. The nurse upholds a client’s decision to refuse chemotherapy for lung

cancer.

B. The nurse follows a plan of care designed to relieve pain in a client with

cancer.

C. The nurse administers an immunization to a child even though it may

cause discomfort. Correct

D. The nurse provides equal amounts of care to all assigned clients on the

basis of illness acuity.

Rationale: Beneficence is taking action to help others. Although administration of a

child’s immunization might cause discomfort, the benefits of protection from disease

outweigh the temporary discomfort. Fidelity is keeping promises made to clients,