The principle of respect for autonomy does not apply to people not in a position to act in an autonomous manner. ... But a number of studies have shown that patients do want to know the truth.10 Clinicians may refrain from telling patients difficult truths because they feel uncomfortable doing so. ... By not reporting the condition of the cast and the physician's negligence, the nurses had not prevented the patient's harm, nor acted according to the principle of nonmaleficence. ... Caregivers may view the act of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment as making them responsible for...

• Word Count: 2553
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Undergraduate