CH. 48 Ethics of Sonography Flashcards
define ethics
systematic reflection on an analysis of morality
- individual
define morality
- right and wrong conduct
- good and bad character
- based on community
list the different aspects of morality
- freedom
- autonomy
where does one learn morality?
- personal experience
- family traditions
- normative behavior in communities
Do different religions and cultures agree on morality?
no
our professional ethics tries to answer…?
“what is good?”
who stated “first, do no harm”?
hippocrates in the 5th century
what did the hindu healers say?
treat ppl w/ respect, gentleness, and dignity
who redefined what a patient is? what is a patient?
thomas percival redifined a patient as anyone needing care, regardless of finances.
what else did thomas percival believe in?
the “team” approach
list the basic principles of medical ethics
- principles of autonomy
- justice
- beneficence
- nonmaleficence
- integrity
- respect for person
where can you find the sonographer’s code of ethics?
Society of Diagnostic Medical sonography (SDMS)
what are the three principles of our code of ethics?
- promote well-being
- high level of competence
- professional integrity
how can we promote well-being?
respecting a pt’s right to refuse care
how can we maintain a high level of competence?
being registered and knowledgeable in exams
how can we maintain professional integrity?
being honest with a patient (don’t give false hope)
define nonmaleficence
cause no harm
give an example of nonmaleficence in OB/GYN
suggest an amnio when it is not warranted
define beneficence
weighs good vs. bad; treatments will benefit the patients and cause no harm
example of beneficence
only scanning OB when medically necessary and using M-mode
define autonomy
right of a person to have choices and for them to be respected
what is an example of autonomy?
patients can refuse exams like cancer treatments
define veracity
truthfulness
what is an example of veracity
telling the truth if something is wrong and not telling them “everything is okay” if its untrue
define integrity
adherence to moral and ethical principles
what is an example of integrity
acting professionally always
define justice
ethical principle that requires fair distribution of benefits and burdens
- everyone is treated equally
what is an example of justice?
treating a rich person the same as a homeless person with respect, care, and the same treatment
why is confidentiality important?
protect clinical info about patients’ from unauthorized access, mandated by federal law
if a pregnant woman is under 18 YOA, who is responsible for her care?
- if you’re pregnant, you are responsible for your care at any age
in the state of NC, when is abortion legal?
up to 20 weeks and 6 days
in the state of NY, when is abortion legal?
up to 40 weeks for a valid reason, or legally up to 24 weeks for any reason
if a 20 year old has ovarian cancer, does she have the right to refuse treatments?
yes
whether we agree with the decision, is it the patient’s right to decide on treatment?
yes, it is the patient’s right to decide their treatment regardless of my opinion.