A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a terminal illness and is ventilator-dependent. The client is alert and oriented and he wants to discontinue use of the ventilator. The nurse should be aware that continued treatment against the client’s wishes is a violation of which of the following ethical principles?

Choice A reason: Justice refers to fairness in care and distribution of resources. While important, it is not the principle violated when ignoring a client’s wishes. Choice B reason: Autonomy is the client’s right to make decisions about their own care. Continuing life-sustaining treatment against the client’s wishes violates autonomy. Respecting autonomy means honoring the client’s choice to discontinue the ventilator. Choice C reason: Veracity refers to truth-telling. While nurses must be honest, the issue here is respecting the client’s decision, not truthfulness. Choice D reason: Fidelity refers to keeping promises and commitments. While important, fidelity is not the principle directly violated in this case.