After bilateral knee replacement surgery, an elderly client wants to go to a rehabilitation facility for additional physical therapy. That facility refuses to admit this client for insurance reasons. The nurse then calls the insurance company and strongly explains why this client needs to go to a rehabilitation facility. This is an example of:

A. Justice: Justice refers to fairness and equitable distribution of resources and treatment. While it is important in healthcare decision-making, it is not directly applicable in this scenario, where the focus is on respecting the client's autonomy in decision-making.

B. Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. While it is essential for healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to clients, it does not directly address the client's right to make autonomous decisions about their care.

C. Beneficence: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the client. While it is important for nurses to promote the well-being of their clients, in this scenario, the client's autonomous decision not to undergo surgery or chemotherapy takes precedence over the nurse's desire to promote beneficence.

D. Respect for autonomy: This is the correct answer. Respect for autonomy is the ethical principle that recognizes individuals' right to make their own decisions and choices regarding their healthcare, based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. In this scenario, the nurse respects the client's autonomous decision not to pursue surgery or chemotherapy, even though it may conflict with the nurse's personal beliefs about preserving life.

A. Sorry: Expressing regret or remorse for an error is important, but it does not fully encompass the ethical responsibility demonstrated in this scenario. While acknowledging the mistake and feeling sorry is essential, the nurse's primary ethical obligation lies in taking appropriate action to rectify the error and prevent harm to the client.

B. Accountable: Being accountable involves taking responsibility for one's actions, including acknowledging errors, reporting them promptly, and taking corrective measures. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates accountability by recognizing the administration of a wrong dose of medication and promptly informing the supervisor. Accountability is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare that promotes transparency, integrity, and patient safety.

C. Altruistic: Altruism involves acting in the best interests of others, often selflessly and without expecting personal gain. While reporting errors and ensuring patient safety can be considered altruistic actions, the primary ethical behavior demonstrated in this scenario is accountability, as the nurse takes responsibility for the medication error.

D. Just: Justice in healthcare refers to fairness, equity, and adherence to ethical principles in the distribution of resources and provision of care. While ensuring justice is an important ethical consideration in healthcare, it is not directly applicable to the nurse's behavior in this scenario. The primary ethical principle demonstrated here is accountability, as the nurse takes responsibility for the medication error and acts to address it appropriately.