Exam 1 Review Flashcards
What is the definition of ethics?
Systematic study of right and wrong conduct.
It involves a formal process for making consistent moral decisions based on principles, virtues, and core values.
What are morals?
Private, personal, or group standards of right and wrong.
Moral behavior reflects personal moral beliefs in accordance with custom.
What is the relationship between ethics and nursing?
Ethics is central to nursing and essential for providing holistic care.
Nurses encounter ethical problems at work and must have ethical knowledge for professional competence.
What is whistleblowing in the context of nursing?
Reporting unethical or illegal practices within a healthcare setting.
This can include situations like impaired nursing practice.
List the ethical principles relevant to nursing.
- Autonomy
- Nonmaleficence
- Beneficence
- Fidelity
- Veracity
- Justice
What does the ethical principle of autonomy entail?
Respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care.
This principle remains important even if the RN disagrees with the decision.
What is the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
Avoiding harm to the patient, whether intentional or unintentional.
This includes ensuring treatments do not cause unnecessary suffering.
What does beneficence mean in nursing ethics?
Acting in the best interest of the patient by promoting their well-being.
It emphasizes the duty to do good.
What does fidelity mean in the context of nursing ethics?
Keeping commitments to patients and upholding professional responsibilities.
This includes maintaining trust and confidentiality.
What is the ANA Code of Ethics?
A set of guidelines that outlines the ethical responsibilities of nurses.
It includes provisions that emphasize respect, commitment to patients, and the importance of advocacy.
What is malpractice?
Failure to act in a reasonable and prudent manner in a professional context.
It involves negligence where harm is caused to a patient.
What is the purpose of laws in nursing?
To protect patients and society, define nursing practice scope, and identify minimum care levels.
Laws include public and private law, as well as statutory and common law.
What are advanced directives?
Legal documents outlining a person’s healthcare preferences when they cannot communicate.
They typically include a living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare.
What is the significance of the Patient Self-Determination Act?
Requires healthcare agencies to provide information about advance directives to patients.
This includes living wills and the right to make healthcare decisions.
What does the term ‘negligence’ refer to in nursing practice?
Failure to perform as a reasonable, prudent person would in a similar situation.
There is no intent to harm present in cases of negligence.
What is the role of the Texas Board of Nursing?
To regulate nursing practice, ensure public safety, and uphold licensure requirements.
It also manages the disciplinary process for nursing practice violations.
What is ‘safe harbor’ in nursing?
A process that protects a nurse from discipline for refusing unsafe assignments.
It must be invoked in good faith prior to the conduct or assignment.
What is a quasi-intentional tort?
Torts that involve a breach of duty that causes harm to an individual.
Examples include defamation of character through slander or libel.
Which legal requirement is violated if a hospital does not provide information about living wills?
Patient Self-Determination Act.
This act mandates that healthcare facilities inform patients about advance directives.
True or False: There are no legal consequences for nurses who do not follow the ANA Standards of Professional Performance.
False.
Nurses can be found guilty of negligence in a court of law for failing to adhere to these standards.
What is the difference between liability and malpractice?
Liability refers to being financially responsible, while malpractice involves failing to act reasonably in a professional context.
Malpractice is a specific form of liability.
Fill in the blank: The duty to tell the truth in nursing ethics is known as _______.
Veracity
What does the ethical principle of justice entail?
Treating patients fairly and equitably.
This includes ensuring that resources and care are distributed without discrimination.
What is a key responsibility of nurses regarding patient information?
Maintain patient confidentiality.
This is crucial for ensuring trust and legal compliance in healthcare.
