Uncoerced and unrestricted decisionmaking in the interest of self-determination is restricted among inmates not only by their regimen of incarceration but also by their higher prevalence of physical and/or mental illness. Nurses who conduct research that involves inmates must be aware of the various factors that condition and limit inmates' freedom to make uncoerced and rational decisions. The researcher must be careful not to make decisions for the inmate and to ensure that any decision made by an inmate does not pose a risk of harm for him/her. The researcher should attempt to identify any hidden coercive factor that may limit the inmate's ability to make unrestrained decisions pertinent to the research. So as to ensure that the inmate is prepared to make an informed decision about participation in the research, the researcher should: provide adequate information about what the research involves; ensure that the informed-consent document can be easily understood by the inmate; read the consent agreement to the potential participant; allow sufficient time for the inmate to consider his/her decision about participation; emphasize that participation in the study is voluntary and that the participants can withdraw from the study at any time; do not provide compensation for participation, since this constitutes coercion; and mention both the risks and benefits of the study for the inmate. 31 references