Asked by Arianna Perez on May 31, 2024
Verified
A young woman who is pregnant with a fetus exposed to multiple teratogens consents to have her fetus undergo serial PUBS (percutaneous umbilical blood sampling) to examine how exposure affects the fetus over time. Although these tests will not improve the fetus's outcomes and will expose it to some risks, the information gathered may help infants in the future. Which ethical principle is at greatest\bold{greatest}greatest risk?
A) Fidelity
B) Autonomy
C) Beneficence
D) Nonmaleficence
Nonmaleficence
Fundamental ethical agreement to do no harm. Closely related to the ethical standard of beneficence.
Teratogens
Chemical or physiological agents that may produce adverse effects in the embryo or fetus.
Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling
A medical procedure used to obtain a blood sample from a fetus via the umbilical cord.
- Assess ethical dilemmas involving patient care and apply ethical principles such as nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice to resolve them.
Verified Answer
SR
Sarveen RamanJun 05, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that focuses on avoidance of harm or hurt. Repeated PUBS may expose the mother and fetus to some risks. Fidelity refers to the agreement to keep promises (obtain serial PUBS). Autonomy refers to freedom from external control (mother consented), and beneficence refers to taking positive actions to help others (may help infants in the future).
Learning Objectives
- Assess ethical dilemmas involving patient care and apply ethical principles such as nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice to resolve them.
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