What is an ethical consideration for APRNs when providing patient care?

Informed consent and patient autonomy are fundamental principles in healthcare that ensure patients are fully aware of their treatment options and participate in decisions regarding their care. This ethical consideration is particularly important for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) as it respects the rights of patients to make informed choices about their health.

Informed consent goes beyond merely obtaining a signature on a form; it involves comprehensive communication between the APRN and the patient about the nature of the proposed treatments, potential risks, and benefits, as well as alternatives. This process helps to empower patients, fostering trust and collaboration in the nurse-client relationship. Upholding patient autonomy ensures that healthcare practices honor individual values, preferences, and needs, leading to better patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Although patient confidentiality and data protection, compliance with insurance policies, and cost-effectiveness of treatments are essential aspects of healthcare practice, informed consent and patient autonomy are particularly crucial as they directly relate to ethical considerations in practitioner-patient interactions and decision-making processes. Promoting autonomy and ensuring informed consent is a central tenet of ethical nursing practice, influencing how care is delivered and ensuring patients have control over their health decisions.