Ethical Concepts in Nursing Practice: Lesson 4

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between ethics and laws?

Ethics are societal norms, while laws are individual morals.

Ethics are individual beliefs, while laws are agreed upon standards. (correct)

Ethics are moral principles, while laws are professional standards.

Ethics are legal requirements, while laws are personal beliefs.

Why is it important for nurses to uphold ethics in their practice?

To maintain high professional standards. (correct)

To conform to individual beliefs.

To align with societal norms.

To avoid legal consequences.

What distinguishes morals as personal beliefs from professional ethics?

Morals change frequently, while ethics remain constant.

Morals are based on societal norms, while ethics are individual beliefs.

Morals vary among individuals, while ethics are agreed upon standards. (correct)

Morals guide professional conduct, while ethics guide personal behavior.

How do bioethical dilemmas differ from standard ethical dilemmas?

Bioethical dilemmas involve ethical issues in healthcare, while standard dilemmas are universal. Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding ethical decision-making models crucial for nurses?

To effectively navigate complex moral scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

How does open disclosure play a role in maintaining ethical standards in nursing practice?

By promoting transparency and honesty in patient care. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of deontological ethics?

The rules, obligations, and duties Signup and view all the answers

In the context of bioethics, what is the primary concern?

Moral discernment in medical policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of consequentialist ethics?

Outcomes or consequences of actions Signup and view all the answers

What do virtue ethics primarily emphasize?

Moral characteristics and practical wisdom Signup and view all the answers

What are the rights and duties addressed by bioethics?

Rights & duties of patients & health professionals Signup and view all the answers

How is nursing ethics best described?

A set of ethical and moral standards directly related to nursing Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between beneficence and non-maleficence?

Beneficence focuses on doing good, while non-maleficence focuses on not causing harm. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of justice in nursing, what does equity refer to?

Ensuring equal distribution of healthcare resources according to individual needs. Signup and view all the answers

How is veracity related to autonomy in nursing practice?

Veracity enhances patient autonomy by ensuring complete honesty. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a breach of veracity in nursing?

Withholding important information about a patient's well-being. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Privacy Act 1988, what does it govern in terms of personal information handling?

Regulating privacy and personal information handling by Commonwealth agencies and organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an ethical dilemma?

A decision-making problem between two possible moral imperatives Signup and view all the answers

In the context of bioethical dilemmas, what is the role of a 'DNR' order?

To respect the patient's wish not to be resuscitated Signup and view all the answers

Why does the patient in the text believe she is entitled to refuse cancer treatment?

She feels well and doesn't match the common image of a cancer patient Signup and view all the answers

What is a common ethical issue associated with voluntary assisted dying?

Quality of life concerns Signup and view all the answers

Why might a competent person be allowed to make an unreasonable decision according to the text?

Because they are exercising their autonomy Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration regarding informed refusal of treatment in bioethical dilemmas?

The refusal should be informed and based on relevant knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What principle was violated by the nurse who posted about the 190 kg intubated COPD patient on social media?

Principle of patient confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

What consequences might the nurse educator face for including pictures of a client's lesions in a conference presentation without consent?

Legal repercussions for breaching patient privacy Signup and view all the answers

In Case Study 3, what action should the charge nurse at the facility take to maintain patient confidentiality?

Avoid discussing Marcus' status with anyone outside the care team Signup and view all the answers

What ethical dilemma is presented in Case Study 1 regarding the nurse's social media post?

Conflict between patient privacy and personal venting Signup and view all the answers

How could the nurse educator from Case Study 2 have maintained patient privacy while preparing the presentation poster?

Blur the faces of clients in the images included in the poster Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what should be the standard behavior of nurses regarding patient confidentiality?

Patient information should only be shared with those involved in care Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Difference Between Ethics and Laws

Ethics are moral principles guiding behavior, while laws are formal rules enforced by institutions.
Ethics involve personal and societal standards, whereas laws provide a structured framework for order.

Importance of Ethics in Nursing

Upholding ethics ensures patient safety, respect, and dignity in care practices.
Ethical practice fosters trust between healthcare providers and patients.

Distinction Between Morals and Professional Ethics

Morals are personal beliefs shaped by culture and experiences.
Professional ethics are standardized guidelines applicable to specific fields, promoting accountability.

Bioethical Dilemmas vs. Standard Ethical Dilemmas

Bioethical dilemmas often involve medical decisions impacting life and death, focusing on patient welfare.
Standard ethical dilemmas can encompass broader societal issues and professional ethics without direct health implications.

Understanding Ethical Decision-Making Models

Ethical decision-making models provide structured approaches to resolving complex moral issues.
Knowledge of these models assists nurses in making informed, fair, and compassionate decisions.

Open Disclosure in Nursing Practice

Open disclosure involves transparent communication about errors or adverse events with patients.
It helps uphold ethical standards by fostering accountability and improving patient trust.

Focus of Deontological Ethics

Deontological ethics prioritize adherence to rules and duties over the consequences of actions.
This approach emphasizes the intrinsic rightness of actions based on established principles.

Primary Concern in Bioethics

Bioethics primarily focuses on ethical issues arising in healthcare, particularly around patient rights and autonomy.

Main Focus of Consequentialist Ethics

Consequentialist ethics evaluate the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences.
The greatest good for the greatest number is a central theme in this ethical perspective.

Emphasis of Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics prioritize the character and integrity of the moral agent rather than specific actions.
It encourages the development of virtues to guide ethical behavior.

Rights and Duties in Bioethics

Bioethics addresses patient rights, including informed consent and confidentiality.
Duties include obligations of care from healthcare professionals to their patients.

Description of Nursing Ethics

Nursing ethics is characterized by principles guiding nursing practice, emphasizing care, communication, and responsibility towards patients.

Difference Between Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Beneficence refers to actions taken to promote patient well-being.
Non-maleficence focuses on the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients.

Equity in Justice in Nursing

Equity refers to providing fair and just treatment to all patients, considering individual needs and circumstances.

Relationship Between Veracity and Autonomy

Veracity, or truthfulness, supports patient autonomy by ensuring that patients have accurate information to make informed choices.

Breach of Veracity in Nursing

Breaches occur when nurses intentionally mislead patients or withhold critical information, violating trust and ethical guidelines.

Privacy Act 1988 and Personal Information

The Privacy Act governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by organizations.
It aims to protect individual privacy rights in healthcare contexts.

Definition of an Ethical Dilemma

An ethical dilemma arises when there are conflicting moral values, making it challenging to determine the right course of action.

Role of DNR Orders in Bioethical Dilemmas

'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) orders signify a patient's wish to forgo resuscitation in critical situations, raising ethical questions about autonomy and quality of life.

Patient's Right to Refuse Cancer Treatment

Patients may feel entitled to refuse treatment based on personal beliefs, risk assessment, or anticipation of quality of life.

Ethical Issues in Voluntary Assisted Dying

Common issues include balancing patient autonomy with ethical concerns of hastening death and possible coercion.

Competent Persons Making Unreasonable Decisions

Competent individuals may make choices based on personal values, even if perceived as unreasonable, emphasizing autonomy in healthcare.

Informed Refusal of Treatment in Bioethical Dilemmas

Key considerations include ensuring patients understand risks and consequences of refusing treatment, reflecting their autonomy.

Posting patient information on social media without consent violates principles of confidentiality and respect for patient privacy.

Consequences for Including Patient Images Unconsented

The nurse educator may face disciplinary actions for breaching ethical standards and violating patient privacy.

Maintaining Patient Confidentiality in Case Study 3

The charge nurse should implement strict protocols to ensure patient information is kept private, minimizing exposure to unauthorized personnel.

Ethical Dilemma in Case Study 1

The dilemma involves the nurse's inappropriate sharing of patient details online, conflicting with ethical standards for confidentiality.

Maintaining Patient Privacy in Case Study 2

The nurse educator could have anonymized patient data and obtained consent to follow ethical guidelines in preparing presentations.

Standard Behavior Regarding Patient Confidentiality

Nurses are expected to respect and protect patient confidentiality at all times, creating a safe space for open communication and trust.

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Description

Learn about ethical concepts relevant to nursing practice in lesson 4 of the NURS5420/5421C course. Topics include defining ethics, discussing nursing ethics, human rights, major ethical principles, applying ethics in nursing scenarios, recognizing bioethical dilemmas, and more.