Which ethical model allows a leader nurse to emphasize client decision-making during an emergency?

The autonomy model is built on the principle that individuals have the right to make informed choices about their own lives and health care. In the context of nursing leadership during emergencies, this model emphasizes the importance of client decision-making, even when situations are critical or fast-paced.

When applying the autonomy model, a nurse leader respects the client's ability to weigh their options and participate actively in decisions regarding their treatment. This is particularly crucial during emergencies, where time may be limited, but the fundamental ethical obligation to honor patients' choices and maintain their dignity persists.

While the other models, such as beneficence, paternalism, and justice, serve significant roles in ethical decision-making, they approach client participation differently. The beneficence model focuses on promoting the well-being of the patient, which may sometimes lead to overriding the client's choices in favor of what is deemed best. Paternalism involves making decisions for the client, which can diminish their autonomy and willingness to engage in their care during critical times. Lastly, the justice model deals with fairness and allocation of resources rather than the emphasis on decision-making by the individual. Each of these approaches has its merits but does not promote client autonomy in the same way the autonomy model does.