Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

When a nurse respects a patient's autonomy, they are upholding the ethical principle of autonomy itself. This principle emphasizes the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own healthcare and to have control over their bodies and treatment choices. By honoring autonomy, a nurse allows patients to express their values and preferences, which fosters a collaborative nurse-patient relationship and promotes trust.

This principle is foundational in nursing practice because it recognizes the dignity of each patient as an individual capable of making choices regarding their health. For example, when a patient chooses to decline a particular treatment after being fully informed of the risks and benefits, respecting that choice is an illustration of honoring their autonomy. It underscores the importance of informed consent and the necessity for healthcare providers to ensure that patients have the information they need to make decisions that align with their own values and beliefs.