An elderly patient receives a prescription that seems too extreme in light of their advanced age and unstable status. This action illustrates which ethical principle?

An elderly patient receives a prescription that seems too extreme in light of their advanced age and unstable status. This action illustrates which ethical principle?

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

Answer: (D)

At the core here is the duty to do no harm. An extreme prescription for an elderly patient who is frail and unstable poses a real risk of causing harm through adverse drug effects, interactions, sedation, delirium, or other complications. In older adults, physiological changes and multiple medications heighten these risks, making it more likely that the treatment will do more harm than good. Nonmaleficence directs clinicians to avoid such risks and to choose safer, more cautious management, with careful monitoring and adjustments as needed. While autonomy (patient decision-making), fidelity (keeping promises), and justice (fair treatment) are important, they don’t address the immediate concern of avoiding potential harm in this scenario.

At the core here is the duty to do no harm. An extreme prescription for an elderly patient who is frail and unstable poses a real risk of causing harm through adverse drug effects, interactions, sedation, delirium, or other complications. In older adults, physiological changes and multiple medications heighten these risks, making it more likely that the treatment will do more harm than good. Nonmaleficence directs clinicians to avoid such risks and to choose safer, more cautious management, with careful monitoring and adjustments as needed. While autonomy (patient decision-making), fidelity (keeping promises), and justice (fair treatment) are important, they don’t address the immediate concern of avoiding potential harm in this scenario.