Ethics in Nursing Care

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of consequentialism in ethical decision making?

The distribution of resources

The rights of individuals

The consequences of actions (correct)

The intentions behind actions

Utilitarianism prioritizes the benefits to the individual over the collective.

False

What ethical theory is a sub-category of consequentialism?

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is criticized for diminishing the importance of __________.

personal integrity Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical theories with their key principles:

Consequentialism = Judged by results Utilitarianism = Greatest good for greatest number Deontology = Duty-based ethics Virtue Ethics = Focus on character traits Signup and view all the answers

In the case study, what did Joshua refuse to take?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) Signup and view all the answers

The principle of triage is based on treating patients in the order they arrive.

False Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma does nurse Rejoice face in the case study?

Confidentiality vs. duty to inform Signup and view all the answers

What does deontology primarily focus on in ethical situations?

Rights and principles Signup and view all the answers

In deontology, the principle of beneficence plays a significant role.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between act deontology and rule deontology?

Act deontology involves gathering data before making decisions for each situation, while rule deontology follows established principles regardless of circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

In deontology, nurse duties must be performed in accordance with ___ principles.

moral Signup and view all the answers

In the case study with Nurse Tito, which type of deontology is applicable when she decides to inform her patients?

Act deontology Signup and view all the answers

Confidentiality should always be upheld by the nurse, regardless of the consequences to others.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the deontological concepts with their definitions:

Act deontology = Decisions made based on relevant data for each specific situation Rule deontology = Decisions made according to established moral principles Beneficence = The ethical principle of doing good Autonomy = The right of patients to make informed decisions about their own care Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the HIV/AIDS patient, what is the ethical dilemma regarding his confidentiality?

The ethical dilemma concerns the balance between maintaining the patient's confidentiality and the potential risk to his wife's health. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Theories in Nursing

Ethics is a moral philosophy guiding behavior, distinguishing good from bad.
Adherence to ethical principles is crucial in nursing care; theories provide frameworks for moral reasoning and action justification.

Types of Ethical Theories

Consequentialism

Actions are judged based on their outcomes.
Rights and wrongs are determined by the consequences of actions.

Utilitarianism

Focuses on promoting the greatest good for the most people.
Decisions are evaluated based on the balance of benefits over detriments.
Example: Triage in emergencies prioritizes treatment by severity, not by a first-come basis.
Truth-telling may be neglected if it doesn't maximize overall benefit.
Criticism: May undermine individual rights and personal integrity.

Deontology

Centers on rights and principles; conducts judged by moral duty.
Autonomy may not always be prioritized; conflicts may arise when considering personal versus societal duties.
Two subcategories:
- Act Deontology: Decision-making based on collected relevant data; applicable uniformly in similar situations.
- Rule Deontology: Actions guided by established principles, maintained even with changing circumstances.
  - Nursing principles include respect for life, privacy, compassion, and human dignity.

Case Studies and Ethical Dilemmas

Case Study: Joshua

Joshua, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, refuses ART and discloses his status to Nurse Rejoice, requesting confidentiality.
Dilemma: Balancing confidentiality with the ethical obligation to inform his parents and protect their health.

Case Study 1: Nurse Tito

Nurse Tito informs patients Mr. Shipo and Mr. Lewis about their cancer diagnoses.
Mr. Shipo accepts his diagnosis; Mr. Lewis struggles to believe, which adversely affects his health.
Questions:
- Identify applicable deontology type.
- Consider alternative approaches Nurse Tito could take.

Case Study 2: Nurse Anna

A patient refuses to disclose his HIV status to his wife. He also declines using condoms despite the risk to her health.
Questions:
- Should Nurse Anna maintain patient confidentiality?
- Assess the conflict between the man’s right and his wife's right to life.
- Evaluate whether Nurse Anna is obligated to inform the wife.
- Consider alternative actions in this scenario.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics emphasizes character traits and moral virtues of the individual rather than rules or consequences.
Focuses on the kind of person one should be and how ethical behavior reflects personal integrity.

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Description

This quiz explores the ethical theories and principles integral to nursing practice. It covers the foundational concepts that guide moral reasoning and decision-making for nurses. Understanding these theories is essential for delivering ethical care in the nursing profession.