Ethics in Nursing

Question 1

Define values*

Answer 1

Our conception of what is good and most desirable

Reflected in the decisions we make, the actions we take, and the opinions we express

Question 2

Define ethics*

Answer 2

The critical, structured examination of how we should behave in various situations - involves reflecting on and understanding norms, values, and beliefs

Question 3

Define morality*

Answer 3

Beliefs and traditions about how we should conduct ourselves toward others - usually more action-oriented

Question 4

Define moral autonomy*

Answer 4

We feel responsibility and ownership for our chosen values and beliefs

Question 5

Describe ethical/moral dilemmas*

Answer 5

Situations in which the clear course of action may not be obvious or there is disagreement

May be due to all alternatives having a downside or strong ethical reasons to support multiple courses of action

Question 6

Define moral integrity*

Answer 6

Sense of consistency between our convictions and our actions

Question 7

Define moral distress*

Answer 7

Results when values are pushed to a limit by being consistently disrespected, trivialized, ignored, or compromised
- Find ourselves in situations where, for some reason, it is difficult or impossible to stay true to our convictions
- Can be the result of moral dilemmas that are not acknowledged or ignored and not resolved
- Can lead to feelings of anger, resentment, despair, or powerlessness

Question 8

List and describe the 7 ethical principles in nursing*

Answer 8

1. Client autonomy - Allow clients to make decisions, make their own decisions and respect them
2. Informed consent - Need to have the right to information to make their decision, benefits/risks
3. Trust - Need to build trust so they can feel liberated in sharing their thought processes
4. Fidelity - Being able to communicate hard information in compassionate ways because they need to know, no matter how difficult the information is to hear
5. Beneficence - Everything I am doing is for the positive outcome of the patient
6. Nonmaleficence - Do no harm
7. Justice - Things should be fair and equitable

Question 9

What two ethical principles are often in conflict with one another?*

Answer 9

Beneficence and nonmaleficence are often in conflict with one another

Treatment may hurt, but it will save your life

Question 10

What is the CNA code of ethics?*

Answer 10

Governing code of ethics for nurses across Canada

It has multiple sections, labelled values A through G