A nurse arranges for an aid to sit with a client overnight to avoid the use of restraints. The nurse should identify that this is an example of which of the following ethical principles?

Choice A reason: Autonomy involves respecting a patient’s right to make decisions about their care. Arranging an aid to avoid restraints supports patient safety, not decision-making capacity. This action aligns with preventing harm, not primarily empowering the client’s self-determination. Choice B reason: Justice refers to fair resource allocation or equal treatment. Providing an aid to avoid restraints is specific to patient safety, not resource distribution or fairness across patients, making this ethical principle less relevant than nonmaleficence in this scenario. Choice C reason: Beneficence involves actions to benefit the patient, like promoting recovery. While using an aid may benefit the client, the primary intent is to prevent harm from restraints, aligning more directly with nonmaleficence, which focuses on avoiding injury or distress. Choice D reason: Nonmaleficence, the principle of “do no harm,” is exemplified by arranging an aid to avoid restraints, which can cause physical or psychological harm. This action prioritizes patient safety, reducing risks like skin breakdown or agitation, directly reflecting nonmaleficence in nursing practice.