Ethics Definitions and Examples Flashcards
What is an ethical dilemma?
Arises when there are equally compelling reasons for and against two or more possible courses of action
Choosing one course means relinquishing or letting go of something else.
How does an ethical dilemma differ from an ethical problem?
An ethical dilemma is a specific type of ethical problem
Ethical dilemmas fall under the umbrella of ethical problems.
Provide an example of an ethical dilemma.
Choosing between strong chemo for a leukemia diagnosis during pregnancy or lesser chemo for the baby’s survival.
What is ethical disengagement?
Occurs when nurses normalize the disregard of their ethical commitments
Can lead to apathy or unkind behavior towards colleagues and patients.
What mindset characterizes ethical disengagement?
Convincing oneself that the rules don’t apply due to circumstances.
Provide an example of ethical disengagement.
A senior nurse expecting new grads to follow rules while believing they do not have to.
What is ethical distress?
Arises when nurses cannot act according to their moral judgment
Can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, guilt, or serve as a catalyst for growth.
Provide an example of ethical distress.
A nurse unable to explain a client’s palliative treatment to a parent due to confidentiality.
What does ethical indifference imply?
A failure to assume ethical responsibilities, leading to a passive state
Calls into question the moral integrity of the nurse.
What attitude characterizes ethical indifference?
An uncaring or uninterested approach, exemplified by a ‘why bother’ mentality.
Provide an example of ethical indifference.
OT nurses neglecting to change soiled briefs because they are tired.
How does ethical indifference differ from disengagement?
Indifference is a ‘why bother’ attitude, while disengagement is believing the standards don’t apply to oneself.
What is an ethical problem?
A situation with conflicts between values and uncertainty about the correct course of action.
What kind of questions do ethical problems involve?
Questions about what is right or good to do at various levels: individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal.
Provide an example of an ethical problem.
Determining eligibility for MAiD.
What is ethical residue?
The lasting impressions from morally distressing situations
It refers to the emotional weight carried over time.
Provide an example of ethical residue.
A nurse feels awful recalling a story about a leukemia patient.
What constitutes an ethical violation?
Actions or failures to act that breach fundamental duties to patients or colleagues.
Provide an example of an ethical violation.
Breaching the privacy and confidentiality of a client.
What is ethical well-being?
Congruence between thought and action, resulting from having necessary mechanisms and resources to resolve ethical conflicts.
