Which of the following nursing actions best reflects a nurse’s commitm

Which of the following nursing actions best reflects a nurse’s commitment to the ethical principle of fostering autonomy regarding an older client living in an extended care facility?

1. Providing options regarding the furniture arrangement of the client’s room
2. Supporting a client’s decision to adopt a DNR (do not resuscitate) status
3. Allowing sufficient time for the client to independently accomplish morning hy-giene
4. Consulting the client regarding personal preferences regarding treatment options

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Following the ethical principle of autonomy, the nurse facilitates a client’s decision-making pro-cess in order to make their own decisions regarding all aspects of life, including their care, and then supports those decisions. The most important and possibly controversial decision is that of DNR status and thus shows the greatest commitment on the nurse’s part.