Chapter 41: Ethics and Values.

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Questions and Answers

What is an ethical dilemma?

A situation where ethical principles are easily applied.

A situation where one ethical principle conflicts with another. (correct)

A situation with clear right and wrong choices.

A situation that requires a whistleblower to intervene.

Which of the following is NOT a step in the THINK pneumatic for dealing with ethical concerns?

Know your reporting options.

Institute a training program. (correct)

Talk with an attorney.

Have concrete evidence.

What does the principle of non-maleficence emphasize?

The duty to promote good.

The duty to not cause harm. (correct)

The right to make autonomous choices.

The obligation to be fair.

Which ethical principle refers to the obligation of being fair and ensuring equal treatment for all?

Justice Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a whistleblower?

To reveal corruption or wrongdoing. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle is about being truthful?

Veracity Signup and view all the answers

Which principle highlights the importance of respecting a person's rights to make their own choices?

Autonomy Signup and view all the answers

What does beneficence encompass in the context of ethical principles?

Taking action to promote good. Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of a code of ethics in nursing?

To inform the public about minimum standards of nursing practice Signup and view all the answers

Which model is most appropriate when the patient is competent and able to make their own decisions?

Autonomy model Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the Patient Care Partnership differ from traditional rights language?

It emphasizes patient expectations and responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What did the American Nurses Association oppose due to its conflict with core nursing commitments?

Euthanasia and assisted suicide Signup and view all the answers

What do the standards set by The Joint Commission regarding ethics require from healthcare providers?

To include patient values and preferences in the care plan Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical model assists in decision-making for a patient who is incompetent?

Substituted judgment model Signup and view all the answers

What is a central theme of the social justice model in healthcare ethics?

Emphasis on institutional considerations and broad social issues Signup and view all the answers

Why does the ANA regularly update its code of ethics?

To reflect changes in healthcare restructuring, financing, and delivery Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Dilemmas and Whistleblower Actions

Ethical dilemmas arise when conflicting ethical principles necessitate choosing between equally undesirable options.
There's no clear "right" or "wrong" answer.

Whistleblower Guidelines

A whistleblower reveals perceived wrongdoing (e.g., corruption, mismanagement, fraud, abuse).
Factors to consider: nature of action, likelihood of harm, data accuracy, completeness.
Immediate threat to health/safety warrants immediate report.
Otherwise, follow the THINK pneumatic:
- Talk to an attorney
- Have concrete evidence
- Institute a survival plan
- Note nature and consequences
- Know reporting options and support systems

Ethical Principles in Healthcare

Autonomy: Respect for a person's right to choose and ability to act on that choice.
Non-maleficence: Duty to do no harm and prevent harm (actual harm, risk of harm, intentional/unintentional harm).
Beneficence: Duty to promote good; a continuum with non-maleficence.
Fidelity: Faithfulness; keeping promises.
Veracity: Duty to tell the truth.
Justice: Fair and equal treatment for all.

Code of Ethics and Professional Guidelines

Codes of ethics provide minimum standards, demonstrate commitment to the public, outline ethical considerations, guide professional behavior, and support self-regulation.
ANA (American Nurses Association) revised their code in 2015; available online.
The code reflects healthcare restructuring, financing, and delivery changes. Values often challenged by U.S. healthcare failings and negative social determinants of health.
ANA opposes euthanasia for reasons similar to assisted suicide, both violate core professional commitments and public trust.

Patient Care Partnerships

The AHA's Patient Care Partnership uses expectations and responsibilities instead of rights.
Encourages ethical patient treatment and protection of rights.

Joint Commission Standards

Joint Commission standards have sections on ethics and individual rights.
Patient values, preferences, information needs, factors promoting autonomy, are essential in care plans.

Ethics Models in Healthcare

Autonomy model: Focuses on competent patients' choices (self-decision making).
Patient benefit model: Guides decisions for incompetent patients by considering what the patient would want if competent.
Social justice model: Considers broader social issues within the healthcare institution (e.g., committees related to patient refusal of procedures).

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Description

Explore the complex world of ethical dilemmas and the role of whistleblowers in addressing wrongdoing. This quiz examines various ethical principles and guidelines essential for making informed decisions in challenging situations, particularly within healthcare settings.