Ethical Dilemma - Utilitarianism vs Deontology Quiz

Bioethics

• Bioethics is a systemic study of human behavior, specifically in the fields of life sciences and health care, as examined in the light of moral values and principles.
• The term "bioethics" comes from the Greek words "bios" (life) and "ethikos" (behavior).

Ethics

• Ethics comes from the Greek word "ethos," meaning custom or particular behavior.
• Ethikos means moral duty, and the Latin equivalent is Mos, Moris, or Moris (way of acting).
• Ethics is the science of correct living and doing, concerned with the meaning of words like right, wrong, good, bad, ought, and duty.
• It studies human acts or conduct from a moral perspective, as to whether they are good or bad.

Morality

• Morality is derived from the Latin word "moralis," meaning the rightness and wrongness of an act determined by our principles.
• Goodness or badness of human acts is determined by morality.
• Moral is identical in meaning with ethics.

Importance of Bioethics

• The need for bioethics arises from perennial issues, dilemmas, and problems, as well as legal dimensions, emergence of ethical practices in health care, and the need for awareness and competence in health care.
• Scientific advances, inequalities, and changes in doctor-patient relationships also contribute to the importance of bioethics.

Theories and Principles of Health Ethics

Deontology

• Deontology is a normative ethical theory that the morality of an action should be based on whether that action itself is right or wrong under a series of rules.
• It emphasizes the type of action rather than the consequences of the action.
• Introduced by Immanuel Kant, deontology is an obligation-based theory.

Teleology

• Teleology is a consequence-oriented theory that describes an ethical perspective that contends the rightness or wrongness of actions is based solely on the goodness or badness of their consequences.
• Focuses on the consequences or end product of our actions.
• The principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people is a key concept in teleology.

Core Values of a Professional Nurse

• Critical thinking: nurses constantly involved in making accurate and appropriate clinical decisions.
• Psychomotor skills: physical side of the nursing profession, involving the use of equipment and specific skills.
• Ethical and legal considerations: a nurse plans, provides, and evaluates nursing care guided by specific ethical and legal boundaries.
• Professionalism: involves characteristics of a nurse that reflect their professional status, such as being knowledgeable, conscientious, and responsible.

Ethics Committee

• Addresses issues of patient care that present as ethical dilemmas.
• Ensures the institution's ability to protect the rights and interests of clients.
• Develops institutional policies and educational programs on ethical issues.
• Professional Code of Ethics: nurses have a contract with society to behave in accordance with rules dictated by society and the nursing profession.