When explaining autonomy to a student nurse, which example best illustrates this concept?

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Autonomy refers to the capacity of a person to make their own decisions and to have their choices respected by others. In the context of healthcare, it emphasizes the importance of empowering patients to make informed decisions regarding their treatment and care.

Donating organs after death is a clear example of autonomy because it involves a personal choice that reflects the individual's values, beliefs, and wishes regarding their own body and the legacy they want to leave. This decision must be made voluntarily and based on the individual's understanding of what organ donation entails, showcasing the essence of making personal choices about one's life and post-life circumstances.

While documenting patient progress, encouraging medication adherence, and consulting with family before decisions are all important aspects of nursing and patient care, they involve varying degrees of involvement from healthcare professionals and may not necessarily prioritize the patient's individual wishes in the same way. These actions can often be about ensuring compliance or consensus rather than truly allowing a patient to exercise their own decision-making ability, which is why the example of organ donation best illustrates the concept of autonomy.

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