Nursing Ethics MCQ Quiz and Flashcards: Ethical Principles in Nursing Practice

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Questions and Answers

What principle of the nurse code of conduct does the nurse in Case Study 1 violate?

Professional attire

Patient safety

Time management

Confidentiality and privacy (correct)

In Case Study 2, what ethical consideration did the nurse educator overlook?

Patient privacy (correct)

Professional development

Infection control

Patient advocacy

What is the primary concern of the charge nurse in Case Study 3?

Reporting Marcus' condition to authorities

Updating Marcus' insurance information

Receiving help from Marcus' family

Ensuring Marcus' privacy and confidentiality (correct)

What potential harm can be caused by the nurse's comment in Case Study 1?

Psychological harm to colleagues Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse educator have done differently in Case Study 2 to maintain patient privacy?

Blur the faces in the pictures Signup and view all the answers

How could the charge nurse best ensure confidentiality when updating Marcus' status?

Provide a general update without specifics Signup and view all the answers

What is an ethical dilemma?

A problem between two moral imperatives without a clear best choice Signup and view all the answers

Why did the patient refuse treatment in the text?

She believed she did not have cancer as she felt well Signup and view all the answers

Does a competent person have the right to make an unreasonable decision?

Yes, as long as they fully understand the consequences of their decision Signup and view all the answers

Is there an argument for overriding a patient's refusal of treatment?

Yes, if the refusal poses serious harm to the patient Signup and view all the answers

What are the ethical issues associated with voluntary assisted dying?

Quality of life concerns Signup and view all the answers

How do ethics affect nursing according to the text?

Ethics guide nursing practices and decision-making processes 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 harming. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of justice in nursing focus on?

Equal distribution of resources and giving priority to emergency/urgent needs. Signup and view all the answers

How is veracity related to autonomy in nursing?

Veracity is about telling the truth and respecting a client's right to know important information. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Privacy Act 1988 impact the handling of personal information by agencies and organizations?

It governs how personal information is handled and ensures nationally consistent regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a breach of veracity in nursing?

Lying and deceiving the client by withholding crucial details. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for nurses to prioritize emergency/urgent needs according to the principle of justice?

To provide fair treatment based on individual needs. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the nurse take to help improve Mrs. S's breathing?

Adjusted O2 to 4L O2 via NP Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'HARM' refer to in the context mentioned?

Physical and psychological suffering Signup and view all the answers

Who is typically responsible for initiating the open disclosure process?

The treating physician Signup and view all the answers

Why was a MET call escalated for Mrs. S?

To evaluate Mrs. S's condition with a medical emergency team Signup and view all the answers

Which action was identified as an error during the MET call for Mrs. S?

Administering Frusemide orally instead of intravenously Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of open disclosure discussions?

To communicate openly and honestly about adverse events with patients and families Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of an incident in the context of healthcare?

An event that could have or did lead to harm Signup and view all the answers

How is a near miss incident defined?

An incident that did not cause harm but had the potential to do so Signup and view all the answers

When do nurses become more aware of integrating ethics into the nursing profession?

The earlier they begin thinking about nursing ethics Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Staunton's 'Law for Nurses and Midwives' book?

Legal aspects for nurses and midwives Signup and view all the answers

Where can healthcare providers find guidance on patient rights?

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of integrating ethics into all aspects of the nursing profession?

It focuses on improving nursing technology Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality refers to specific restrictions on private information revealed in confidence, with an understanding that it will not be disclosed to others.
The Code of Conduct for Nurses principle 3.5 states that nurses must maintain confidentiality and respect patients' privacy.

A nurse posted a comment on social media about a patient, revealing the patient's weight and medical condition, which is a breach of confidentiality.
The post allowed others to identify the client, which is a violation of confidentiality.

A nurse educator used pictures of a client's lesions in a presentation poster without consent, which is a breach of confidentiality and privacy.
The nurse needs to consider the patient's privacy and obtain consent before using their images.

Case Study 3: Patient Refusal of Treatment

A patient, Marcus, refused treatment due to his belief that he did not have cancer, despite being diagnosed with dehydration and delirium.
The patient has the right to make an informed decision, but his refusal may not be informed due to his misunderstandings about cancer.
The healthcare team must consider whether to override the patient's refusal and respect his autonomy.

Bioethical Dilemmas

Bioethical dilemmas involve decision-making problems between two possible moral imperatives, neither of which is unambiguously acceptable or preferable.
Examples of bioethical dilemmas include abortion, euthanasia, "do not resuscitate" (DNR) orders, voluntary assisted dying, reproductive technology, tissue transplantation, organ donation, quality of life, and conscientious objection.

Ethical Principles in Healthcare

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Beneficence refers to the obligation to make a situation better by doing good.
Non-maleficence refers to the obligation not to harm patients.

Justice

Justice involves fairness and equality, with no discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc.
Equal distribution of resources is necessary, and treatment must be given according to individual needs.

Veracity

Veracity refers to telling the truth and maintaining trust relationships between clients and nurses.
Breaches of veracity include lying, withholding information, partial disclosure, and deception.

Privacy and Confidentiality

The Privacy Act 1988 governs the handling of personal information by Commonwealth agencies and organizations.
Nurses must maintain confidentiality and respect patients' privacy.

Open Disclosure

Open disclosure involves informing patients about adverse events or incidents that occurred during their care.
The nurse who administered the wrong medication is responsible for open disclosure.
Open disclosure discussions should involve the patient, their family, and the healthcare team.

Key Terms

Harm: impairment of structure or function of the body, including disease, injury, suffering, disability, and death.
Incident: any event that could have or did lead to unintended and/or unnecessary psychological or physical harm.
Near Miss: an incident that did not cause harm but had the potential to do so.

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Description

Explore ethical principles in nursing practice including beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Understand the obligations to do good, not to harm patients, and ensure fairness and equality in healthcare.

Ethical Principles in Nursing Practice

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