A client chooses not to have surgery despite significant coronary artery blockages. This decision demonstrates which ethical principle?

A client chooses not to have surgery despite significant coronary artery blockages. This decision demonstrates which ethical principle?

• A. Fidelity
• B. Autonomy
• C. Justice
• D. Nonmaleficence

Answer: (B)

Respect for patient self-determination is demonstrated when a client declines surgery despite serious coronary artery blockages. This reflects autonomy, which means individuals have the right to accept or refuse medical treatments after being informed about risks, benefits, and alternatives, and without coercion. The nurse’s role is to ensure understanding, assess decision-making capacity, and support the patient’s chosen course of action. While fidelity, justice, and nonmaleficence are important principles in care, the situation best illustrates the patient’s right to determine what happens to their own body. If capacity is in doubt, a surrogate decision-maker would be involved, but with capacity intact, the autonomous choice stands.

Respect for patient self-determination is demonstrated when a client declines surgery despite serious coronary artery blockages. This reflects autonomy, which means individuals have the right to accept or refuse medical treatments after being informed about risks, benefits, and alternatives, and without coercion. The nurse’s role is to ensure understanding, assess decision-making capacity, and support the patient’s chosen course of action. While fidelity, justice, and nonmaleficence are important principles in care, the situation best illustrates the patient’s right to determine what happens to their own body. If capacity is in doubt, a surrogate decision-maker would be involved, but with capacity intact, the autonomous choice stands.