Nursing Ethics and Ethical Codes

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

In the context of nursing ethics, how does deontology MOST fundamentally differ from consequentialism in guiding ethical decision-making?

Deontology focuses exclusively on maximizing aggregate patient well-being, whereas consequentialism prioritizes adherence to universalizable moral duties.
Deontology integrates cultural relativism into ethical judgments, while consequentialism applies an absolute moral standard based on duty.
Deontology relies on empirical data to predict the outcomes of actions, while consequentialism depends on abstract moral principles.
Deontology assesses the ethical validity of actions based on their inherent rightness or wrongness, regardless of outcomes, unlike consequentialism. (correct)

Given the International Council of Nurses' (ICN) revised code of ethics, which scenario BEST exemplifies an application of the 'Nurses and the Profession' element in addressing systemic ethical failures within a healthcare organization?

A nurse passively complies with hospital policies that prioritize revenue over patient safety to maintain employment stability.
A nurse privately documents instances of understaffing impacting patient care but does not formally report these concerns.
A nursing team collaborates to anonymously expose a pattern of falsified patient records to regulatory authorities, risking their individual careers. (correct)
A nurse participates in continuing education to enhance clinical skills, unaware of broader ethical issues within the institution.

Considering the principle of autonomy in nursing ethics, under what specific circumstances is a nurse ethically justified in overriding a patient's explicit refusal of potentially life-saving treatment?

When the patient's refusal is based on religious beliefs that the healthcare team deems irrational.
When the patient's cognitive impairment prevents them from fully understanding the consequences of their decision, as determined by a court of law. (correct)
When the patient is diagnosed with a highly communicable disease that poses a significant threat to public health.
When the patient is a minor and their parents or legal guardians consent to treatment against the minor’s explicit wishes.

In the context of clinical trials, which component is MOST critical in upholding the ethical obligation of ensuring participants can 'withdraw from the study at any point' without coercion or penalty?

Clearly outlining in the informed consent documentation the process for withdrawal and the potential impact on any compensation received. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the principle of veracity in nursing practice, how should a nurse navigate a situation where a physician requests that a patient not be informed about a severe, life-altering diagnosis to avoid causing distress?

The nurse should advocate for the patient's right to know, communicating the diagnosis as gently as possible while ensuring the patient understands the implications. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Given the ethical obligation of confidentiality in nursing, under what complex circumstance would disclosure of a patient's HIV status be JUSTIFIED, considering the potential for both individual harm and public safety?

When a patient consistently refuses to inform their sexual partner(s) of their status, despite counseling, and there is a demonstrable risk of transmission. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'moral distress' manifest within nursing practice when nurses are repeatedly required to perform actions they believe are ethically wrong due to institutional constraints or hierarchical directives?

It results in emotional exhaustion, burnout, and potential attrition from the profession due to the persistent violation of core ethical values. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of nursing ethics, which of the following actions LEAST aligns with the nurse's responsibility to maintain standards of personal conduct, particularly concerning off-duty conversations?

Sharing anonymized patient stories with close friends to illustrate the challenges of the nursing profession. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the principles guiding nursing actions according to Fuerst and Wolff, how should a nurse balance maintaining a patient's individuality with the need to implement standardized clinical protocols for a particular condition?

Customize the implementation of the protocol by integrating consideration of the patient's unique cultural, social, and psychological needs and preferences. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario of a patient requiring a coroner's case investigation, which action MUST a nurse undertake, irrespective of family objections or healthcare provider preferences, to adhere to legal and ethical standards?

Ensure the coroner is promptly notified according to legal requirements when a death meets the criteria for a coroner's case. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the principle of 'justice' in nursing ethics apply to the allocation of scarce medical resources, such as ventilators during a pandemic, considering diverse patient needs and potential outcomes?

Resources should be allocated based on comprehensive evaluation criteria, including the severity of illness, prognosis, and potential years of life saved, with transparency and ethical oversight. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what specific way does the ethical principle of non-maleficence challenge the implementation of innovative but potentially risky medical technologies or interventions in nursing practice?

It requires nurses to thoroughly assess potential risks, benefits, and alternatives, implementing safeguards to minimize harm, before adopting innovative interventions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the historical context of nursing education programs, what was the MOST significant impact of transitioning from the Qualified Registered Nurse (QRN) program to the State Registered Nurse (SRN) program in terms of professionalizing nursing practice?

The SRN program implemented a more standardized curriculum focused on anatomy and physiology, marking a shift toward evidence-based practice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A nurse discovers a colleague diverting narcotics for personal use. How should the nurse's action align with the ethical principle of fidelity, considering responsibilities to the patient, the profession, and the colleague?

The nurse should report the colleague to the appropriate authorities, balancing loyalty with the duty to ensure patient safety and professional integrity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of abortion ethics, what nuanced challenges emerge for a nurse when a patient requests an abortion in a jurisdiction where it is legally permissible but conflicts with the nurse's deeply held moral or religious beliefs?

The nurse is ethically justified in refusing to participate in the procedure but must ensure the patient receives alternative care without judgment or obstruction. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What unique ethical considerations arise concerning patient autonomy when dealing with individuals diagnosed with psychiatric or mental health conditions that may impair their decision-making capacity?

Autonomy should be respected to the extent possible, involving assessing decision-making capacity, using supported decision-making models where appropriate, and seeking legal guardianship only when necessary. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How might differing cultural interpretations of patient autonomy impact the informed consent process, and what strategies can nurses employ to ensure ethical practice in diverse patient populations?

Engage cultural brokers, provide translated materials, and sensitively explore patients' values to facilitate truly informed and culturally congruent consent. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of organ transplantation ethics, how does the principle of beneficence intersect with the allocation of scarce organs, particularly when considering potential recipients with varying prognoses and quality-of-life expectations?

Beneficence supports a comprehensive evaluation considering prognosis, quality of life, and equitable access, striving to maximize overall well-being while addressing potential biases. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Within the framework of patient responsibilities, how does the ethical expectation of patients providing 'full and accurate medical history' become particularly challenging in situations involving stigmatized health conditions or sensitive personal information?

Nurses must balance the need for accurate information with respecting patient privacy and building trusting relationships to encourage disclosure, while informing them of the potential risks of withholding critical information. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can organizations best foster an ethical environment that supports nurses in addressing ethical dilemmas, upholding moral principles, and advocating for patient rights, especially amidst conflicting institutional pressures?

Providing ethics education, establishing ethics committees, protecting whistleblowers, and promoting open dialogue about ethical concerns to create a culture of moral courage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethics

Rules or principles governing the nursing profession, derived from the Greek 'ethos' meaning custom.

Principles

Guidelines that govern actions, serving as fundamental morals to justify behaviors.

Code of Ethics

A formal statement of a group's ideals and values, shared by members, reflecting moral judgment, and setting standards.