A nurse is providing care to a 71-year-old client who is in the late stages of cancer and has painful bone metastases. The client is unresponsive but groans and grimaces intermittently. The nurse is drawing up a breakthrough dose of morphine for the client, but a colleague cautions that, "Sure, that will address his pain, but it could depress his respiratory drive and actually kill him at this stage." The colleague's statement prioritizes which ethical principle?

A. Standards provided by nursing associations:

Nursing associations establish standards of practice to guide nurses in delivering safe and effective care. These standards outline the expectations and responsibilities of nurses in various healthcare settings. While adhering to nursing standards is important, they may not always encompass the full spectrum of clinical complexities faced by older adult populations. Nursing standards often provide general guidelines rather than specific evidence-based recommendations for complex clinical scenarios.

B. Scientific data about theories, life adjustments, and pathophysiology of aging:

Scientific data related to theories, life adjustments, and pathophysiology of aging are essential for understanding the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. This knowledge helps nurses comprehend the unique healthcare needs of older adults and informs their clinical decision-making. While scientific data provides a foundational understanding of aging processes, it may not always translate directly into evidence-based practice guidelines for managing specific health conditions or complex clinical situations.

C. Evidence-based practice:

Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves integrating the best available evidence from scientific research with clinical expertise and patient preferences to inform decision-making in patient care. EBP ensures that nursing interventions are grounded in research findings and tailored to individual patient needs and preferences. By critically appraising and applying research evidence to clinical practice, nurses can provide high-quality, patient-centered care that is supported by the latest scientific knowledge.

D. A large pool of knowledgeable colleagues in advanced practice roles:

Colleagues in advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists, can serve as valuable resources for sharing expertise and knowledge in caring for older adult populations. These colleagues may offer insights, guidance, and recommendations based on their advanced clinical training and experience. While collaborating with knowledgeable colleagues is important for professional development and sharing best practices, it should complement, rather than replace, evidence-based practice as the foundation for providing high-quality care.

A. Offer the client options in the health care provided to him or her: This intervention recognizes the client's autonomy and empowers them to make choices about their healthcare. By offering options, the nurse respects the client's preferences and allows them to participate in decision-making, which can enhance their sense of control and satisfaction with their care.

B. Defer to the client in all matters of health care: While it's important to respect the client's autonomy and involve them in decision-making, deferring to the client in all matters of healthcare may not always be appropriate. Healthcare decisions should be made collaboratively, considering the client's preferences along with the healthcare provider's expertise and evidence-based practice.

C. Ask open-ended questions to determine health knowledge: Open-ended questions encourage the client to express their thoughts, concerns, and preferences freely. By asking open-ended questions, the nurse can gain insight into the client's level of health literacy, understanding of their condition, and preferences for care. This information can inform the development of a tailored care plan that meets the client's individual needs.

D. Encourage the client to join the resident council: Joining the resident council allows the client to actively participate in decision-making processes within the long-term care facility. It provides them with a platform to voice their opinions, advocate for their needs, and contribute to the improvement of facility policies and practices. This involvement can enhance the client's sense of empowerment, social connectedness, and overall satisfaction with their living environment.

E. Inform the client that the healthcare provider has the final say in care: While healthcare providers play a crucial role in guiding and implementing healthcare decisions, it's essential to emphasize shared decision-making and collaborative care. Informing the client that the healthcare provider has the final say may undermine their autonomy and discourage active participation in decision-making. Instead, the focus should be on fostering a partnership between the client and healthcare team, where decisions are made collaboratively based on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals.