Ethics Flashcards
What is normative ethics?
“norms” or standards
Three types of ethics
descriptive, meta-ethics, and normative
What are morals?
standards, principles, and norms that are either particular to an individual or universal (or common)
What are examples of where particular morals are seen?
across cultures/religions, within a profession, within a family unit, within organizations
What is an ethical/moral dilemma?
a situation in which an individual is compelled to chose between two actions… both actions are reasonably justified as being good, [or] neither action is readily justified as being good
What is principlism?
based on “common” principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice
What is casuistry?
case-based reasoning that does not focus on rules or theories and instead focuses on practical decision making and it may be combined with other models/theories
What ethical code does the nursing profession follow?
ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses
What does prima facie mean?
on the face of things
What is principlism also known as?
the Four Principle Approach to Bioethics
What are the four principles “clusters” found in principlism?
Respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice
What are three things that are part of respecting autonomy?
advocacy, informed consent and privacy/confidentiality
What does autonomy not obligate providers to do?
provide futile and/or pointless treatments
Do you have to offer a patient alternatives to the intervention at hand for the patient to have received informed consent?
yes
4 underlying principles of beneficence
compassion, fidelity, veracity, altruism
What is paternalism?
Healthcare professionals exercise of unilateral authority over a patient to make decisions, usually out of a perceived obligation of beneficence
4 derivative principles of nonmaleficence?
due diligence, rule of double effect, futile/pointless treatments, “slippery slope” arguments
What is the rule of double effect?
causing harm for a greater good
What are the 3 derivative principles of justice?
respect for others, equality/impartiality, and “veil of ignorance”
Who should be consulted when there is an ethical dilemma at a hospital?
Hospital’s ethics committee
Why is there an ethics committee in place in a hospital (aside from aiding in resolving ethical dilemmas)?
It can reduce the institution’s legal risk
What is the four topics method used for?
Analysis of ethical problems on an individualized basis
What is the four principles method used for?
Larger societal/institutional ethical standards
What is fidelity?
obligation to be faithful to agreements and promises. loyal to patient. promise keeper
What is veracity?
honesty or truthfulness
what is altruism?
deeds of mercy, kindness, and charity
