A young woman who is pregnant with a fetus exposed to multiple teratogens consents to have her fetus undergo serial PUBS (percutaneous umbilical blood sampling) to examine how exposure affects the fetus over time. Although these tests will not improve the fetus's outcomes and will expose it to some risks, the information gathered may help infants in the future. Which ethical principle is at $greatest\bold{greatest}$ risk?

A) Fidelity
B) Autonomy
C) Beneficence
D) Nonmaleficence

Question

A young woman who is pregnant with a fetus exposed to multiple teratogens consents to have her fetus undergo serial PUBS (percutaneous umbilical blood sampling) to examine how exposure affects the fetus over time. Although these tests will not improve the fetus's outcomes and will expose it to some risks, the information gathered may help infants in the future. Which ethical principle is at

greatest\bold{greatest}

risk?

A) Fidelity
B) Autonomy
C) Beneficence
D) Nonmaleficence

Sarveen Raman · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that focuses on avoidance of harm or hurt. Repeated PUBS may expose the mother and fetus to some risks. Fidelity refers to the agreement to keep promises (obtain serial PUBS). Autonomy refers to freedom from external control (mother consented), and beneficence refers to taking positive actions to help others (may help infants in the future).

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