Final Exam Flashcards
Ethics
a systemic approach to understanding, analyzing and distinguishing matter or right and wrong as they relate to human beings
Morals
specific beliefs, behaviours and ways of being derived from ethics
Value
something desirable, prized, held dear; to attach a degree of goodness to something which elevates it to a place of prominence in one’s thinking where it will influence one’s behaviour
Belief
confidence, faith, or trust in something; believe something to be the truth, an option
Bioethics
the study of ethical issues and decision making associated with the use of living organisms– many types, such as medical, clinical, ecological and environmental
Medical ethics
the greatest amount of work in bioethics has been in medical ethics– evaluates the marits, risks and social concerns of activities in the field of medicine
Relational ethics
focus on the relationship as a significant and central aspect of health care ethics– emphasizes four main themes: mutual respect, engagement, embodiment and environment
Virtue ethics
trait or character that is socially valuable and present in a person– truthfulness, kindness and honesty
What are the 5 focal virtues?
compassion
discernment
trustworthiness
integrity
conscientiousness
Discernment
a sensitive insight involving astute judgement and understanding to action– being mindful
Conscientiousness
acting with good intention, trying to do what is right, after determining what is the “right” choice of action– acting good even when it is difficult
Utilitarianism
focuses on the outcome to determine the correct choice– “the end justifies the means”
also called consequentialism
Deontology
focuses on the actions themselves– the moral choice is based on the path rather than the outcome so nobody is more important than anyone else
Sanctity of life
preserve life
Autonomy
promote freedom of choice
Non-maleficence
do no harm
Beneficence
do good
Veracity
be truthful
Fidelity
be faithful/loyal
Justice
treat all fairly
Egalitarian model
everyone receives and equal share of the available resources– Canada’s health care resources are allocates based on this model
Moral/ethical dilemma
-the best course of action is unclear
-strong moral reason to support each position
-have to choose what is the most right and least wrong
Moral uncertainty
-not sure of morally correct action to take
-not sure what moral value/principle to apply
-not able to define actual problem
-feeling of concern and “gut feeling”
Moral distress
-unable to act upon
-right action is clear
-nurses feel personally responsible
Public law
defines a person’s rights and obligations in relation to government, and describes the divisions of government and their powers
Private law
Also called civil law, determines a person’s legal rights and obligations in many activities that involve other people
branches include tort law and contract law
Contract law
deals with the rights and obligations or people who make contracts
-may be written or oral
-in health care contracts may be expressed or implied
-the nurse-client relationship is an implied contract