ethics Flashcards
define ethics
the various ways of thinking about, understanding and examining how best to live a moral life. ethics are self-imposed values that relate to persons and interactions between persons dealing with morals and potential conflict of rights and privileges.
define bioethics
the moral decisions, conduct and policies of health care and the life of sciences.
define autonomy and give nursing example
Definition: Recognising the right of a person to have their own opinions, able to make decisions relating to themselves, their values and their beliefs.
Nursing example: Nurses provide respect for patient autonomy by recognizing and enhancing a patient’s freedom of choice, respecting patient choices, and providing privacy. If the patient does not want to have a shower at the time you suggest for them, you respect their decision even though the nurse in charge said all patients had to have showers this morning.
define non-maleficence and give nursing example
Definition:
Non-maleficence means above all there is no harm or inflicting the least harm possible to reach a beneficial outcome. Harm and its effects are considerations and part of the ethical decision-making process. It is related to duty of care.
Nursing example:
Nurses need to make decisions that could potentially be related to non-maleficence. It is important to be aware of the benefits and what’s best for the patient with the least harm possible. For example, a patient may need a wound dressed however it could cause some pain. Nurses will do everything they can to prevent harm, however the benefits of the wound being protected and start the healing process outweighs the possibility of harming the patient in the process.
define beneficence
Definition:
Beneficence is as an act of charity, mercy, and kindness. It refers to doing good for others including moral obligation. Its an obligation of caring and acting to benefit others.
Nursing example:
Nurses provide the best care and need to always think about what is best and how the patient can benefit from their care. Beneficence toward a patient is key to encourage a speedy recovery. For example, suggesting to a patient to go for a walk together so they are up moving as per their rehabilitation program indicates. This is kind and well as in the best interest for the patient as they are not alone and accompanied, as well as moving to promote rehabilitation.
difference between non-maleficence and beneficence. examples
Obligation not to harm someone (non-maleficence) differs from our
obligation to improve or make better a situation (beneficence)
• Both principles often apply to a given situation
examples
When a patient moves from acute to rehabilitation
• Encouraging a patient to perform chest physio exercises post surgery
• Giving an injection for pain
define justice
Fairness and equity according to needs.
• Clients with the same needs should receive maximum service within an
equal time and cost, regardless of race, wealth or gender
• Clients with the greatest need should receive services first or be given
the largest amount of resources, regardless of age, gender, wealth,
ethnicity or any other form of discrimination or favoritism. e.g. Triage in
ED
• Not everyone has the same treatment or needs but everyone should
have whatever suits their requirements
define Veracity and nursing example
Definition:
Veracity refers to being the truthful, respectful and honest; not to be deceiving and manipulating towards others.
Nursing example:
Nurses need have veracity as this is a key element in the relationship between patients/residents and nurses. Nurses need to respect the patient’s choices and privacy regarding their health. For example, if the patient would like to know the details regarding their progressive cancer, they have the right to have full access to the information. Nurses need to be honest and cannot withhold information, lie or deceive them. We would need to respect their choice and allow them to have knowledge of how their chemo therapy and cancer is going.
define fidelity and example
The ethical foundation of nurse-client relationships
• Nurses need to act in the best interests of our clients
• Act as a client advocate
Examples:
– share the clients wishes with other members of the healthcare team
– you support the clients view and wishes even though they may conflict with your own
define Confidentiality and examples
• Private information revealed in confidence should only be shared with others
with the consent of the client (unless required by law). Clients trust nurses to keep this often sensitive information confidential.
Under section 93 of the Health Care Act 2008, a public
health sector employee can be fined up to $10,000 if any
personal information relating to a client obtained in the
course of employment is divulged
examples:
Dispose of handover sheet in shredder/confidentiality bin before leaving the health care facility.
• Do not talk about your patients to anyone, except with colleagues when collaborating about patient
care.
The Australian Charter of HEALTHCARE RIGHTS (7)
- Access: A right to health care. Access is enhanced when the best and most
appropriate care is provided. - Respect: A right to be shown respect, dignity and consideration. Provision of
care that is respectful of culture, beliefs & values and is appropriate to the
patient’s needs - Safety: A right to safe and high quality care. Health care services must be
provided with professional care, skill & competence in a safe environment. Be
alert to patients needs and ensure patient’s understand the treatment they are
to receive.
The Australian Charter of HEALTHCARE RIGHTS - Communication: A right to be informed about services, treatment, options and costs in a clear,
open and open way. Ensure patient understands information by watching for signs of confusion
or misunderstanding. Make sure arrangements are made to meet language or communication
needs. - Participation: A right to be included in decisions and choices about care. Clients have a right to
be involved in decision making about care, to informed consent & to discuss options available. - Privacy: A right to privacy and confidentiality of personal health & other information.
- Comment: A right to comment about care and to make a complaint. Patients should be
assisted to articulate their concerns and be informed of comment options available.(Health
Services Commissioner, Elder Rights Advocacy)
define Advocacy
• Nurse acts for and on behalf of the client to ensure the client’s right to
autonomy is met. In situations where a person is unable or unwilling to
decide or speak independently, nurses endeavor to ensure the client’s
perspective is represented by an appropriate advocate, including when
the person is a child (Code of Professional Conduct- statement 7)
nursing ethics
looks at all kinds of ethical and bioethical issues from a nursing perspective. provides practical guidance on how to decide and act morally. protects professional from religious, social, legal, political influences and gives meaning to the work of nursing
power of attorney
a formal document that gives another person the authority to make legally binding decisions on your behalf. there are 2 types; general POA, enduring POA.
advanced care directive
sometimes referred to as a living will but is a different document. it should provide a clear statement that sets your directions including your wishes and values that need to be considered before medical treatment decisions are made on your behalf. a written statement detailing a persons desires regarding future medical treatment in circumstances in which they are no longer able to express informed consent, especially in advance directive
