34 Questions
Which of the following best describes values?
Strong persona beliefs
What influences personal values?
All of the above
Why is value clarification important, Which listed below isn't part of clarification?
To change someone else's point of view
What is required for self-awareness?
Consciousness of your own values and biases
Why should healthcare professionals respect diverse values systems?
To understand the impact on health and wellness
Which of the following best describes morals?
Internal understanding of how we believe we ought to act
What are the key principles of bioethics related to self-governance and informed consent?
All of the Above
Which ethical theory focuses on inequalities between people and power dynamics?
Feminist Ethics
What is the term used to describe a situation where there are equally compelling reasons for and against multiple courses of action?
Ethical dilemma
Why can ethical or moral dilemmas lead to moral distress?
There is no right answer or solution
According to the Code of Ethics, what is the purpose of the ethical values of nurses?
To provide guidance when nurses are working through an ethical challenge
What principles are identified as most important for nurses practicing in Ontario according to the Code of Conduct?
All of the above
What is considered professional misconduct according to the CNO?
All of the above
Which of the following is not a source of law in Canada?
International law
What is the role of a nursing regulatory body according to the Nursing Act?
To ensure safe, competent, and ethical nursing care
Which piece of legislation deals with decision-making about personal care or property on behalf of incapable persons?
Substitute Decisions Act (SDA)
What is the definition of an unintentional tort?
An act or omission causing unintentional injury or harm to another person
What is the main purpose of the Health Care Consent Act (HCCA)?
To set explicit rules on when consent is required for treatment
What is the definition of informed consent?
Receiving information about treatment that a reasonable person would require
Who assesses the capacity of a client to make a decision concerning treatment, admission, or personal assistance service?
The healthcare provider
Which of the following can cause legal problems in nursing practice due to an inadequate number of nurses to provide care?
Short staffing
What should nurses do if they believe a physician's order is in error, violates agency policy, or is harmful to patients?
Question the order
What is the role of nurses in administering medications?
Knowing the purpose and effect of medications
What legislation governs health care information privacy in Ontario?
Personal Health Information Protection Act
According to the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), in what circumstances can't practitioners disclose personal health information without obtaining consent?
If the disclosure is needed to provide health care and consent cannot be obtained ever
What must nursing students do in order to avoid legal liability?
Answer A and B
Who is accountable for the actions of a nursing student? Right or Wrong.
All of the above
What is the definition of ethics?
Philosophical ideals of right and wrong and is a reflection of what matters most to people or professions
What are the CNO guidelines for the learner in hospital settings?
All of the above
True or false: The Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) allows practitioners to disclose personal health information without obtaining consent in certain circumstances.
True
True or false: Nursing students are not accountable for their own actions to the patient, their educational institutions, and placement organization.
False
True or false: The CNO Guidelines for the Learner recognize the individual knowledge, skills, and judgment of nursing students.
True
True or false: The CNO Practice Standard allows nurses to disclose personal health information without consent
- to eliminate or reduce a significant risk of harm to a person
- to contact a relative or friend of an injured, incapacitated, or ill client for consent
- to confirm that a client is a resident or client in a facility and provide his/her location and comment on his/her general health status Lastly, 4. if disclosure is needed to provide health care, and consent cannot be obtained quickly
True
True or false: The CNO Practice Standard does not permit nurses to disclose personal health information without consent in any circumstances.
False
Study Notes
Nursing Values and Ethics
- Values are strong personal beliefs about the worth of an ideal, influencing behavior and varying among people.
- Values and beliefs are reflected in actions, behaviors, and decisions, and can be challenged or evolve over time.
- Personal values may reflect cultural, ethnic, social, religious influences, and individual experiences.
- As future nurses, internalizing the values of the profession is important for professional values formation.
- Values clarification involves appraising one's values to decide priorities and make decisions.
Morals vs. Ethics
- Morals refer to internal, personal understanding of right and wrong, reflecting individual opinions and values.
- Ethics involve philosophical ideals of right and wrong, varying for different people, professions, and organizations.
Ethical Theories
- Utilitarianism (Consequentialism): the value of something is determined by its usefulness; greatest good for the greatest number; end justifies the means.
- Deontology: right or wrong is determined by the nature of the act itself; actions are guided by morals.
- Bioethics: guided by four principles: respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics
- Provides guidance on ethical values and responsibilities for nurses in Canada.
- Includes seven values: providing safe, compassionate, and competent care; promoting health and wellbeing; promoting and respecting informed decision-making; preserving dignity; maintaining privacy and confidentiality; promoting justice; and being accountable.
College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Code of Conduct
- Identifies six principles for nurses practicing in Ontario: respecting clients' dignity; providing inclusive and culturally safe care; providing safe and competent care; working respectfully within the healthcare team; acting with integrity in clients' best interests; and maintaining public confidence in the nursing profession.
Ethical Decision-Making
- Involves considering personal values, ethical theories, and principles to make decisions in practice.
- Challenges and barriers may arise, including conflicts between personal and professional values, and limited resources.
Legal Implications in Nursing Practice
- Fiduciary relationship: a professional relationship based on trust, where the nurse provides services that require specialized knowledge and integrity.
- Sources of law: Constitution of Canada, civil law, common law, statute law, and precedent.
The Nursing Act (1991) and CNO
- Provincial/territorial legislation grants authority to a nursing regulatory body (CNO).
- Regulatory body ensures safe, competent, and ethical nursing care.
Professional Conduct and Misconduct
- Acts that constitute a breach or abuse of the nurse-client relationship are considered professional misconduct.
- Conduct that demonstrates a lack of integrity, such as harm or abuse of power, is not consistent with expected professional standards.
Legal Liability Issues in Nursing Practice
- Unintentional tort (negligence): a civil wrong committed against a person or property, usually due to unintentional harm or injury.
- Intentional torts: willful acts that violate a person's rights, such as breach of privacy or confidentiality.
Consent
- Informed consent is required for all routine treatment, hazardous procedures, and some other treatments.
- The person must have legal and mental capacity to make a treatment decision, and the consent must be given voluntarily without coercion.
Abandonment, Assignment, and Contract Issues
- Abandonment: illegally leaving a client without care or support.
- Floating: temporarily reassigning a nurse to another unit or area.
- Physician's orders: must be followed unless the nurse believes an order is in error, violates agency policy, or is harmful to patients.
Legal Issues in Nursing Practice: Hot Topics
- Abortion
- Drug regulations and nurses
- Communicable diseases
- End-of-life issues and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
- Advance directives
- Organ donation
- Mental health crisis situations
- Public health issues
- Staffing ratios
- Harm reduction programs
Test your knowledge of the legal aspects of nurse investigations and complaints. Learn about the process, mandatory reporting, and the criteria for initiating investigations.
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