Understanding Ethics and Morals CH 22

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of bioethics?

Business ethics

Social justice

Environmental conservation

Health care (correct)

What does autonomy refer to in the context of health care?

Freedom from external control (correct)

Obligation to follow hospital policies

Freedom from medical treatment

Right to make decisions for others

Why is respecting patient autonomy a key feature of patient-centered care?

Because it is a hospital policy

Because it reduces medical errors

Because it acknowledges and protects patient independence (correct)

Because it increases patient compliance

What is the primary purpose of the informed consent process?

To inform patients about risks and benefits of treatment options Signup and view all the answers

What does beneficence imply about the role of nurses?

That they practice primarily as a service to others Signup and view all the answers

What is the opposite of beneficence?

Maleficence Signup and view all the answers

How do nurses demonstrate respect for patient autonomy?

By explaining nursing procedures to patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between values and ethics?

Values influence ethics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of nonmaleficence in healthcare?

Avoiding harm or hurt to patients Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of justice refer to in healthcare?

Fair distribution of resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a nurse in terms of responsibility?

Respecting professional obligations and following through Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of confidentiality in healthcare?

To respect patient privacy Signup and view all the answers

What is a code of ethics in a profession?

A set of guiding principles accepted by all professionals Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of deontology in ethics?

Defining actions as right or wrong based on rules and principles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between facts and values in ethics?

Facts are objective, while values are subjective Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of advocacy in healthcare?

Applying one's skills and knowledge for patient benefit Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of accountability in healthcare?

Answering for one's professional actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of HIPAA in healthcare?

To protect patient privacy and confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of a deontologist in a situation?

The moral rule or principle being upheld Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between utilitarianism and deontology?

Their focus on outcomes versus rules Signup and view all the answers

What approach to ethics focuses on the details of a situation and finds similar precedent cases?

Casuistry Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to ethics emphasizes caring relationships and a strong sense of responsibility?

Feminist ethics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of a nurse applying a deontological approach in the situation of Stella and David?

Fidelity to the healthcare agency's regulations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism of utilitarianism and deontology by feminist ethicists?

They neglect the importance of caring relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative view to utilitarianism and deontology offered by feminist ethics?

The ethics of care Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to ethics prioritizes the moral rule or principle over the potential outcome of an action?

Deontology Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the ethics of care?

The role of the decision maker in the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between an ethical dilemma and moral distress?

An ethical dilemma involves two opposing courses of action, while moral distress involves a single action Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an ethics committee?

To provide clinical ethics consultation and develop policies Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in resolving an ethical problem?

Ask if this is an ethical problem Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of social media in nursing practice?

To provide emotional support and access information about patient care Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of facilitating conversations about treatment choices with patients?

To encourage patients to articulate their definition of quality of life Signup and view all the answers

What is a frequent source of ethical problems in nursing practice?

Providing care to patients at the end of life Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for nurses to articulate their personal point of view in ethics meetings?

To show respect for the points of view of others Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of access to healthcare in ethics?

It is an issue of justice Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary for nurses to learn how to identify and discuss ethical issues?

To exercise their privilege as healthcare professionals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Morals, Ethics, and Values

Morals refer to judgments about behavior based on specific beliefs
Ethics is the study of ideals of right and wrong behavior
Values are deeply held personal beliefs about the worth of an idea, custom, or object
Values reflect cultural and social influences

Autonomy

Autonomy refers to freedom from external control
In health care, autonomy refers to respect for patients' independence
Respect for autonomy is a fundamental principle of ethical practice
It is a key feature of patient-centered care
Autonomy is demonstrated through the informed consent process and explaining nursing procedures to patients

Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

Beneficence refers to taking positive actions to help others
It implies that nurses practice primarily as a service to others
Nonmaleficence refers to the avoidance of harm or hurt
Ethical practice involves doing good and doing no harm

Justice and Fidelity

Justice refers to fairness and the distribution of resources
Fidelity refers to faithfulness or the agreement to keep promises
Fidelity is honored when providing excellent care to all patients, including those with different values

Code of Ethics

A code of ethics is a set of guiding principles for a profession
Key principles include advocacy, responsibility, accountability, and confidentiality
Advocacy refers to applying skills and knowledge for the benefit of another person
Responsibility refers to respecting professional obligations and following through
Accountability refers to answering for one's own actions
Confidentiality refers to respecting patient privacy and keeping personal health information private

Ethical Theories

Deontology: examines a situation for the existence of essential right or wrong, focusing on the act itself and judging its "rightness" by the rules or principles it upholds
Utilitarianism: proposes that the value of something is determined by its usefulness, focusing on the outcomes of an act
Casuistry: uses case-based reasoning, focusing on the details of a situation and finding similar precedent cases to determine a course of action
Feminist Ethics (Ethics of Care): emphasizes the role of the decision maker in the situation, caring relationships, and a strong sense of responsibility

Ethical Problems in Nursing

Ethical Dilemma: an ethical problem where two opposing courses of action can both be justified by ethical principles
Moral Distress: when a nurse feels the need to take a specific action while believing that action to be wrong

Ethics Committees

Provides clinical ethics consultation
Develops and/or revises policies pertaining to clinical ethics and hospital policy
Facilitates education about topical issues in clinical ethics

Steps in Addressing Ethical Issues

Step 1: Identify if the issue is an ethical problem
Step 2: Gather relevant information from patient, family, health care agency, and social perspectives
Step 3: Identify ethical elements, clarifying values and recognizing principles involved
Step 4: Clearly state the problem
Step 5: Identify possible courses of action
Step 6: Create and implement an action plan
Step 7: Evaluate the action plan

Additional Notes

Social media can be a supportive source of information about patient care or professional nursing activities
Nurses have an obligation and privilege to articulate their point of view regarding patients, health care systems, and agencies
Access to health care is an ethical issue of justice

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of morals, ethics, and values, and how they relate to our beliefs and behavior. It delves into the differences between morals and ethics, and the role of values in shaping our understanding of right and wrong.