Which ethical principle is the nursing assistant neglecting by ignoring a patient who speaks very little English?

The ethical principle being neglected here is autonomy. Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make informed decisions about their own care and to have their preferences respected. When a nursing assistant ignores a patient who speaks very little English, they are failing to communicate effectively with that patient, which hinders the patient's ability to express their needs, concerns, and preferences.

It is crucial that health care professionals provide appropriate means of communication, such as interpreters or translation services, to ensure that patients can understand their care options and participate in their own health decisions. Ignoring a patient’s language barrier creates a power imbalance where the patient may feel disempowered or unable to advocate for themselves, violating their autonomy.

The other options involve different ethical concerns; for example, beneficence relates to acting in the best interest of the patient, justice involves fairness in treatment and resource distribution, and nonmaleficence focuses on avoiding harm to patients. While these principles are important, the specific neglect of a patient’s language needs directly impacts their ability to exercise autonomy.