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

A nurse is permitted to override a patient's wish primarily when there is imminent risk of harm to the patient or others. This situation aligns with the ethical and legal principles that prioritize patient safety and well-being. The duty to protect can sometimes necessitate intervening against a patient's expressed desires, particularly in emergencies or when a patient's decision-making capacity is compromised.

In this scenario, the nurse must assess the situation critically, determining whether the patient's decision poses a direct and immediate threat to their own health or to the safety of others. For example, if a patient refuses a lifesaving treatment that would likely result in severe harm or death, the nurse has both an ethical obligation and, in some cases, a legal justification to act contrary to the patient's wishes.

Other options, such as disagreeing with a patient or feeling that medical guidelines support a different decision, do not provide sufficient basis for overriding a patient's preferences. Nursing practice emphasizes respect for patient autonomy, and decisions should be made collaboratively, ensuring that patients are fully informed and have the opportunity to express their wishes. It is crucial to consider the patient's right to make informed choices about their care, which includes understanding the risks and benefits of their decisions.