CH 9: Ethical Aspects

Question 1

beliefs that guide life; concept of accepted standards of conduct and moral judgment

Answer 1

ethics

Question 2

greatest number of people will benefit

Answer 2

utilitarianism

Question 3

greatest benefit to oneself; no reason to perform an act that benefits others unless one will personally benefit as well

Answer 3

egoism

Question 4

right and wrong are relative to the situation

Answer 4

relativism

Question 5

specific truths to guide actions

Answer 5

absolutism

Question 6

provides guidelines for actions

Answer 6

professional code of ethics

Question 7

to do good for patients; make sound decisions that serve patient’s best interests

Answer 7

beneficence

Question 8

prevent harm; not directly perform an act that causes harm

Answer 8

nonmaleficence

Question 9

to be fair, treat people equally, and give patients the service they need

Answer 9

justice

Question 10

respect our words and duty to patients

Answer 10

fidelity

Question 11

truthfulness

Answer 11

veracity

Question 12

respect patients’ freedoms, preferences, and rights

Answer 12

autonomy

Question 13

respect the privacy; related to HIPPA

Answer 13

confidentiality

Question 14

occurs when circumstances interfere with the basic application of ethical principles

Answer 14

ethical dilemmas

Question 15

Violates public trust of nurses and inconsistent with ethical codes and standards
Nurses have the right to object involvement

Answer 15

assisted suicide

Question 16

ethical dilemmas in gerontological nursing

Answer 16

-With higher compensation and increased responsibility, there is an increase in accountability
-Upcoming medical technology has ethical issues
-Needs weighed against economic survival
-Conflict of interest
-Greater number of older adults holds society responsible
-assisted suicide

Question 17

measures to help make ethical decisions

Answer 17

Encourage patients to express their desires via advance directives and wills
Identify significant others who impact and are impacted
Know yourself, your ethics, and your personal value system
Read to gain a wider view of ethical problems
Discuss with other health team members
Form an ethics committee
Consult ethical experts or the ethics committee
Talk with others and seek guidance
Evaluate decision
Become actively involved in developing ethically sound principles

Question 18

assisting older adults in decision-making

Answer 18

assure competency
document factors that can influence decision making
offer explanations
ensure understanding
encourage questions
provider with education
ensure no coercion
ability to make competent decisions can fluctuate
avoid having personal bias