Promoting Ethical Practice in Nursing Care

A 45-year-old male patient is admitted to the hospital with severe complications from diabetes, including neuropathy and vision changes. During his hospital stay, the nurse learns that the patient has been non-compliant with his medication regimen due to financial constraints. He expresses the desire to manage his diabetes independently but is unaware of the essential components needed for effective self-management.

In considering the ethical practice of nursing, the nurse recognizes that it is vital to respect the patient’s autonomy while also ensuring he has the necessary information to make informed choices about his health care. To facilitate this, the nurse schedules a meeting with a social worker to explore resources available to assist with the patient's medication costs.

Fill in the blank: The nurse's action is an example of promoting the ethical principle of ___________ by ensuring the patient has access to necessary support and information.