A nurse is caring for a patient who expresses a desire to have an elective abortion.The nurse's religious and ethical values are strongly opposed.How should the nurse best handle the situation?

A) Continue to care for the patient,and limit conversation as much as possible.
B) Refer the patient to a family planning centre or health care professional.
C) Attempt to educate the patient about the consequences of abortion.
D) Inform the patient that because of moral issues,another nurse will have to care for her.

The nurse must be aware of personal beliefs and values and is not required to participate in counselling or procedures that compromise those values.However,the patient is entitled to nonjudgemental care and should be referred to someone who can create a trusting environment.The nurse should not care for a patient if the quality of care could be jeopardized.The nurse should not attempt to project personal values onto a patient.The nurse also should not create tension by informing the patient that she does not have the same morals;this could cause the patient to feel guilty or defensive when receiving care from any health care professional.