Nursing Ethics Chapter 6

Questions and Answers

What is ethics?

Not applicable to nursing practice except on a personal level.

A minimum standard that is written and enforced.

The worth assigned to an idea or action.

A system of standards or moral principles that define actions as being right or wrong. (correct)

What is patient abandonment?

Only applicable if the health care professional leaves the building where the patient is housed.

A legal matter concerned with refusing to care for a patient.

A professional practice matter.

Grounds for termination of employment. (correct)

The study of nursing was originally?

Disease-oriented. (correct)

Focused on the psychosocial needs of the patient.

Only offered to those of a higher social status.

Only offered through religious institutions.

What is beneficent paternalism?

A focus on patient care that involves the input of the patient above all others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ethics committees?

Typically composed of many disciplines involved in health care. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines the term values?

A person's unchanging beliefs regarding right or wrong. Signup and view all the answers

Nursing ethics are?

Values and ethical principles that govern nursing practice, conduct, and relationships. Signup and view all the answers

The Western secular belief system focuses on?

Individual autonomy and rights. Signup and view all the answers

What does nonmaleficence mean?

First do no harm. Signup and view all the answers

Colleague reporting involves reporting?

Fellow nurses who are tardy. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement would the nurse disregard when considering the personal code of ethics applied to nursing?

A nurse may refuse to give postabortion care to a woman if ethically opposed to abortion. Signup and view all the answers

Which measure is included in the nursing standards of practice?

Accountability Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle is being implemented when the nurse checks the temperature of formula before feeding an infant patient?

Nonmaleficence Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle is demonstrated when a nurse gives the wrong medication to a patient and reports it immediately to the supervisor?

Beneficence Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle is demonstrated when an older adult patient agrees to colon surgery for cancer after having discussed all aspects of the surgery, risks, and benefits with the surgeon?

Autonomy Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle is breached when a nurse discusses a patient by name at home with a family member?

Fidelity Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle is being breached when a nurse provides less time to a patient with AIDS because of personal beliefs about the disease?

Justice Signup and view all the answers

Which example justifies beneficent paternalism?

A physician asks the court for permission to perform a potentially lifesaving procedure for a child because the parents have refused to sign an authorized treatment form. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not include ethical codes for LPNs?

Hospital medical ethics committees Signup and view all the answers

Which example would illustrate how ethics has changed for nursing?

A patient asks the nurse to keep the patient's addiction a secret even though the patient is taking prescribed drugs that could interact with alcohol. The nurse makes a decision based on ethical and legal knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Both morals and ethics are concerned with dealing with right or wrong behavior and character.

True Signup and view all the answers

Define ethics.

A system of standards or moral principles that direct actions as being right or wrong. Signup and view all the answers

Define morals.

Dealing with right or wrong behavior/character. Signup and view all the answers

Define values.

The worth you assign to an idea or action, affected by age, experience, maturity, and freely chosen. Signup and view all the answers

Define law.

Minimum ethic that's written and enforced. Signup and view all the answers

Define nursing ethics.

Values and ethical principles governing nursing practice, conduct, and relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Define professional ethics.

Principles a person must adhere to in respect of their interactions and business dealings in their professional life. Signup and view all the answers

Define personal ethics.

Principles a person identifies with regarding people and situations they deal with in everyday life. Signup and view all the answers

Nursing education was originally disease-oriented, but now patients are encouraged to be active in planning their care.

True Signup and view all the answers

List the principles of ethics.

Autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity. Signup and view all the answers

Define nonmaleficence.

Do no harm. Signup and view all the answers

Define autonomy.

Free to choose. Signup and view all the answers

Define beneficence.

Do good. Signup and view all the answers

Define fidelity.

Be true. Signup and view all the answers

Define justice.

Fair to all. Signup and view all the answers

Define beneficent paternalism.

Disrespectful attitude toward patients and what they have to contribute to care. Signup and view all the answers

Define ethics committees.

A multidisciplinary team that assists with ethical decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Define the western secular belief system.

Autonomy, consent to care, choose between treatments, consent/refuse treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of nurses?

Patient advocacy, accountability, safety reporting. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Ethics

Ethics is a system of standards or moral principles that define actions as right or wrong.

Patient Abandonment

Considered grounds for termination of employment, it involves refusing to care for a patient.

Historical Focus of Nursing

The study of nursing was originally disease-oriented, emphasizing illness rather than holistic care.

Beneficent Paternalism

Involves a focus on patient care that emphasizes patient input and collaboration in health care decisions.

Ethics Committees

Composed of various healthcare disciplines, these committees assist in resolving moral questions in medical settings.

Understanding Values

Values are unchanging beliefs regarding what is right or wrong and are influenced by experience, age, and maturity.

Nursing Ethics

Govern nursing practice, conduct, and relationships through established values and ethical principles.

Western Secular Belief System

Emphasizes individual autonomy and rights, significantly influencing healthcare delivery.

Nonmaleficence Principle

Defined as "first do no harm," guiding nurses to prevent harm in patient care.

Colleague Reporting

Involves reporting fellow nurses for unsafe behaviors, ensuring patient safety and maintaining professional standards.

Personal Code of Ethics

Nurses may refuse to participate in procedures such as abortion if ethically opposed, but must be cautious to avoid legal issues like patient abandonment.

Nursing Standards of Practice

Include accountability as a fundamental measure, ensuring nurses uphold professional responsibilities.

Ethical Principles in Nursing

Nonmaleficence: Do no harm.
Beneficence: Act in the best interest of the patient.
Autonomy: Respect patient choices and decisions.
Fidelity: Maintain honesty and the patient's best interest.
Justice: Provide fair and equal treatment to all patients.

Breaching Ethical Principles

Discussing a patient by name outside of professional settings breaches fidelity and patient privacy.

Justice in Patient Care

Allocating care based on beliefs about a patient's condition may breach the principle of justice, as it promotes biases.

Ethical Evolution in Nursing

Ethical standards have shifted, acknowledging the importance of patient autonomy and informed decision-making in care.

Codes of Ethics for LPNs

Organizations like NAPNES and NFLPN provide ethical guidelines, while hospital medical ethics committees do not.

Understanding Ethics vs. Morals

Both morals and ethics revolve around concepts of right and wrong behavior and character, highlighting their interconnected nature.

Nursing Education Evolution

Initially disease-oriented, contemporary nursing encourages patient participation in care planning and decision-making.

Core Ethical Principles

Autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity shape the ethical landscape of nursing practice.

Responsibilities of Nurses

Include patient advocacy, accountability, and the obligation to report unsafe practices, ensuring safety in healthcare environments.

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Description

Explore the complexities of ethics in nursing practice through this flashcard quiz. Focus on the distinction between personal and professional ethics, and test your knowledge of moral principles that guide nursing actions. Ideal for nursing students and healthcare professionals.