Which statement best describes the ethics of organ donation in nursing practice?

• A. Pressure family to donate.
• B. Make decision for patient based on hospital policy.
• C. Respect patient and family preferences, provide accurate information about options, ensure voluntary decision-making, and protect confidentiality.
• D. Withhold information to avoid distress.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is respecting autonomy in organ donation while providing complete, accurate information and protecting confidentiality. In nursing practice, decisions about donation should be patient- and family-centered, made voluntarily with understanding of options, and without pressure or deception. Providing clear, balanced information allows the patient and family to make an informed choice that reflects their values. Coercing families to donate undermines autonomy and trust, making decisions for the patient based on hospital policy bypasses the patient’s and family's preferences, and withholding information to avoid distress is deceptive and undermines informed consent. Therefore, the best practice is to honor preferences, offer accurate information about options, ensure voluntary decision-making, and safeguard confidentiality.