A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. The nurse considers that while chemotherapy offers an opportunity to cure the client's cancer, it also causes much discomfort and suffering for the client. Which ethical principle does chemotherapy present?

Choice A reason: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of "do no harm." Chemotherapy illustrates this principle because, while it offers potential benefits (curing cancer), it also produces significant side effects and discomfort. Nurses must weigh the potential harm against the anticipated benefit when administering such treatment and ensure clients are informed about risks. Choice B reason: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make informed decisions about their care. While autonomy is relevant in deciding whether to receive chemotherapy, it does not directly address the balance of harm and benefit that the treatment presents. Choice C reason: Beneficence is promoting good or acting in the best interest of the client. Chemotherapy has beneficent goals (treating cancer), but the ethical tension here is the potential harm caused, making nonmaleficence the principle highlighted. Choice D reason: Justice refers to fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources. The scenario is focused on harm and benefit to a single client, not resource allocation, so justice is not the primary ethical principle in this context.