A nurse provides wound care that reduces infection risk and increases patient comfort. Which ethical principle is being demonstrated?

A. Non-maleficence: This principle dictates the obligation to do no harm to the patient. By implementing fall precautions, the nurse proactively mitigates environmental hazards to prevent physical trauma. This duty focuses on the avoidance of negligent care and the prevention of adverse events that could lead to injury.

B. Beneficence: While this involves taking positive actions to help others, it is more focused on promoting good and providing benefits. Non-maleficence is the specific duty to prevent harm, which is the primary intent of fall safety measures. Beneficence is often the "doing good" side of the same coin, but prevention of injury is non-maleficence.

C. Justice: This ethical concept refers to the fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources and treatments among all patients. It ensures that every individual has access to the same level of care regardless of their background. Fall precautions for a single patient do not primarily address the systemic allocation of medical goods.

D. Veracity: This principle refers to the nurse's obligation to tell the truth and be honest with patients. It is fundamental to the informed consent process and the establishment of a trusting therapeutic relationship. While honesty is vital, it does not directly relate to the physical safety interventions used to prevent patient falls.

A. Encouraging the client to stay awake for visitors: Forcing a dying patient to remain alert for the benefit of others can cause exhaustion and physical distress. Dignity involves respecting the patient's natural physiological state and their need for rest as the body shuts down. The nurse should prioritize the patient's comfort and preferences over the desires of the visitors.

B. Telling the family what religious practices are most appropriate: Imposing one's own beliefs or assuming specific religious needs violates the patient's individuality and cultural autonomy. Dignity at the end of life is maintained when the nurse facilitates the specific rituals requested by the patient and family. The nurse role is to support the patient's own spiritual path, not to dictate it.

C. Avoiding discussions about death to keep the client hopeful: False reassurance and avoiding the reality of death can lead to a "conspiracy of silence" that prevents honest communication. This approach may stop the patient from completing final life tasks or expressing their fears and wishes. Dignity is supported through honest, compassionate dialogue that respects the patient's right to their own reality.

D. Respecting cultural beliefs and promoting client autonomy: Honoring a patient's specific cultural traditions and their right to make end-of-life decisions preserves their sense of self. This approach ensures that care is person-centered and that the patient's values guide the clinical interventions. Supporting autonomy allows the patient to maintain control over their final moments, which is fundamental to dignity.