A nurse stops a medication when noticing that the patient has harmful side effects that outweigh the benefits. Which principle is being applied?

Choice A reason: Justice refers to the ethical obligation to treat all patients fairly and distribute resources equitably. While the nurse must apply clinical standards fairly to all patients, the specific act of discontinuing a harmful medication to prevent further injury is centered on safety and the avoidance of harm rather than the distribution of care. Choice B reason: Nonmaleficence is the fundamental ethical principle of "doing no harm." When a nurse identifies that a prescribed treatment is causing adverse effects that are more detrimental to the patient's health than the condition being treated, they have an ethical duty to intervene. Stopping the medication directly prevents further iatrogenic injury to the patient. Choice C reason: Autonomy involves the patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. While a patient may choose to stop a medication, the scenario describes the nurse taking action based on a clinical observation of harm. If the nurse makes this decision in the patient's interest to prevent injury, it is an application of professional ethics rather than a reflection of patient self-determination. Choice D reason: Beneficence is the duty to act in ways that benefit the patient. While stopping a harmful drug is beneficial, the primary focus of stopping a negative or toxic effect is the avoidance of harm, which is the specific definition of nonmaleficence. Beneficence is usually associated with proactive treatments and promoting overall wellness.