Paternalism in nursing ethics allows a nurse to do what?

Paternalism in nursing ethics allows a nurse to do what?

• A. Promote health education
• B. Make decisions for a patient
• C. Encourage patient autonomy
• D. Delegate care to unlicensed staff

Answer: (B)

Paternalism in nursing ethics refers to the practice where a healthcare provider makes decisions for a patient, often with the belief that these decisions are in the patient's best interest. In this context, the nurse acts as a decision-maker and takes actions based on what they believe will benefit the patient, sometimes overriding the patient's own preferences or choices. This approach can be seen in various clinical situations where a nurse, observing a patient's condition or behavior, might determine that the patient is not fully capable of making informed decisions due to various factors, such as cognitive impairment or severe emotional distress. The nurse could then step in to guide treatment choices, emphasizing the belief that this intervention will lead to a better health outcome. While paternalism has its place in certain situations, it's also essential to balance this approach with the principles of respect for patient autonomy. Encouragement of autonomy and involvement of patients in their own care decisions are crucial aspects of modern nursing practice. However, in the context of this question, the core definition of paternalism clearly supports the idea of making decisions for the patient as the central feature.

Paternalism in nursing ethics refers to the practice where a healthcare provider makes decisions for a patient, often with the belief that these decisions are in the patient's best interest. In this context, the nurse acts as a decision-maker and takes actions based on what they believe will benefit the patient, sometimes overriding the patient's own preferences or choices.

This approach can be seen in various clinical situations where a nurse, observing a patient's condition or behavior, might determine that the patient is not fully capable of making informed decisions due to various factors, such as cognitive impairment or severe emotional distress. The nurse could then step in to guide treatment choices, emphasizing the belief that this intervention will lead to a better health outcome.

While paternalism has its place in certain situations, it's also essential to balance this approach with the principles of respect for patient autonomy. Encouragement of autonomy and involvement of patients in their own care decisions are crucial aspects of modern nursing practice. However, in the context of this question, the core definition of paternalism clearly supports the idea of making decisions for the patient as the central feature.