Nurses confront artificial intelligence-generated health information at the bedside: A case study.

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools increasingly shape how patients access health information, nurses must navigate new bedside tensions. This case study examines a nurse's encounter with a patient whose interpretation of AI‑generated lab results conflicted with clinical evidence, fostering uncertainty. By proposing theoretical frameworks grounded in bioethical principles, the case explores how nurses can uphold the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice when AI‑derived content influences patient decisions. Nurse‑led protocols at the patient level (Ask, Balance, Clarify, Document) and team level (AI Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) are proposed to guide patient education and communication when algorithmic outputs contradict standards of care. The findings highlight the nurse's role as a mediator and underscore the importance of AI literacy, transparency, and bias mitigation in nursing practice. The study concludes with institutional implications, emphasizing the integration of AI ethics into nursing education, governance structures, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

Duke Scholars

Author Michael Paul Cary School of Nursing

Author Jennie De Gagne School of Nursing