When Respecting Patient Autonomy May Not Be in the Patient's Best Interest

摘要

A patient scenario is presented illustrating a classic ethical dilemma between a patient's autonomy and the nurse's commitment to nonmaleficence or doing no harm. In this article, the ethical question is whether it is ever ethically justifiable to overrule a patient's refusal for the "patient's own good" is analyzed. Autonomy, patient rights and responsibilities, nonmaleficence, loss of control and paternalism are discussed. Recommendations regarding the importance of clear communication as well as the nurse manager's role are presented.