Which ethical principle is primarily involved when a PA deviates from supervising protocol due to clinical judgment?

• A. Justice and autonomy only.
• B. Beneficence and nonmaleficence, with emphasis on patient safety and appropriate escalation to supervisor.
• C. Fidelity and confidentiality only.
• D. Veracity and privacy only.

Answer: (B)

When a PA uses clinical judgment to deviate from supervising protocol, the central concern is patient welfare and safety. This aligns with beneficence—acting to benefit the patient—and nonmaleficence—avoiding harm. If the clinician believes a different course may be safer or more beneficial, the action seeks to improve outcomes while preventing harm, which is the essence of these two principles. Escalating the deviation to the supervisor is important to ensure proper oversight, accountability, and reassessment of risk in light of the new judgment.

Other ethical principles like justice and autonomy, fidelity and confidentiality, or veracity and privacy are relevant in different contexts, but they do not capture the primary duty at stake here—the obligation to promote safety and well-being and to involve appropriate supervision when deviating from established protocol.