Fundamentals: Chapter 22 Flashcards
Define: ethics
the study of conduct and character
Define: autonomy
freedom from external control
What is respect for autonomy?
the commitment to include patients in decisions about all aspects of care as a way of acknowledging and protecting a patient’s independence
Define: beneficence
taking positive actions to help others
What role does beneficence play in nursing?
the best interests of the patient remain more important than self-interest
Define: nonmaleficence
the avoidance of harm or hurt
Define: “just culture”
the promotion of open discussion whenever mistakes occur, or nearly occur, without fear of recrimination
Define: fidelity
the agreement to keep promises
What role does fidelity play in nursing?
A nurse must keep promises by following through on your actions and interventions. Also refers to the unwillingness to abandon patients even when care becomes controversial or complex
Define: advocacy
the support of a particular cause
Define: responsibility
a willingness to respect one’s professional obligations and follow through on promises
Define: accountability
refers to the ability to answer for one’s actions
Define: confidentiality
the act of keeping information private or secret
How does a nurse practice confidentiality?
the nurse only shares information about a patient with other nurses or health care providers who need to know private information about a patient to provide care for him or her; information can only be shared with the patient’s consent
Define: value
a personal belief about the worth of a given idea, attitude, custom, or object that sets standards that influence behavior
When are ethical dilemmas most likely to occur?
in the presence of conflicting values
According to Volker, what hinders research that tries to predict behaviors based on ethnicity
the lack of uniform definitions for various ethnic groups and by the infinite variety of human beings, even if they do seem to come from a particular ethnicity or culture
What is Deontology?
defines actions as right or wrong based on their “right-making characteristics” such as fidelity to promises, truthfulness, and justice
What factors does Deontology depend on?
mutual understanding and acceptance of its principles
Describe a utilitarian system of ethics
the value of something is determined by its usefulness
What is another name for a utilitarian system of ethics
consequentialism
What is teteology?
the study of ends or final causes
What is the difference between utilitarianism and deontology?
Utilitarianism measures the effect that an act will have; deontology looks to the presence of principle regardless of outcome
What was the philosophy of John Stuart Mill?
The greatest good for the greatest number of people is the guiding principle for determining right action in this system
What is the view of feminist ethics?
Looks to the nature of relationships to guide participants in making difficult decisions, especially relationships in which power is unequal or in which a point of view has become ignored or invisible
What is the value of consensus building?
it promotes respect and agreement rather than a particular philosophy or moral system itself
List 3 possible criteria that differentiate ethical problems from other problems
- You are unable to resolve it solely through a review of scientific data.
- It is perplexing. You cannot easily think logically or make a decision about the problem.
- The answer to the problem will have a profound relevance for areas of human concern.
What are the 7 key steps in resolving an ethical dilemma?
Step 1: Ask the question, is this an ethical dilemma? If a review of scientific data does not resolve the question, if the question is perplexing, and if the answer will have relevance for areas of human concern, an ethical dilemma probably exists.
Step 2: Gather information relevant to the case. Patient, family, institutional, and social perspectives are important sources of relevant information.
Step 3: Clarify values. Distinguish among fact, opinion, and values.
Step 4: Verbalize the problem. A clear, simple statement of the dilemma is not always easy, but it helps to ensure effectiveness in the final plan and facilitates discussion.
Step 5: Identify possible courses of action.
Step 6: Negotiate a plan. Negotiation requires a confidence in one’s own point of view and a deep respect for the opinions of others.
Step 7: Evaluate the plan over time.
What purpose do ethics committees serve?
education, policy recommendation, and case consultation
Why are shared efforts to alleviate moral distress more successful?
Moral distress is a shared experience.
