Law and ethics

Question 1

Ethics

Answer 1

Analysis of a rational process to decide a course of action where conflicting options exist

• cancer pt who smokes

Question 2

Morals

Answer 2

Community norms - right vs wrong

Question 3

values

Answer 3

individual beliefs and attitudes that influence actions and decisions

Question 4

principles of moral reasoning

Answer 4

autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, veracity and fiedelity

Question 5

autonomy

Answer 5

the capacity of a rational individual to make an informed un-coerced decision

• allow people to make their own decisions

Question 6

non-maleficence, beneficence, justice

Answer 6

beneficence
- to do good, act for the benefit of others

non-maleficence
- to do no harm

justice
- fair and appropriate treatment of an individual in light of what is due or what is owed

Question 7

types of consent

Answer 7

implied, spoken, written,

Question 8

consent must be…

Answer 8

informed, voluntary, be given by a person legally competent to do so, encompass the act to be performed.

Question 9

to be competent to give consent a person must

Answer 9

• be able to comprehend and retain information
• believe the information
• be able to weigh up information
• make a decision based on that ability

Question 10

capacity to consent

Answer 10

• have the legal capacity
• be of sound mind and judgement
• they are within their rights to make decisions around their treatment
• MH issues / intilectual disability
• children <16 require parent consent (there are exceptions)
• Age - legal capacity is 18

Question 11

requirements of consent

Answer 11

• valid
• freely and voluntarily given
• legal capacity to given consent
• fully informed

Question 12

exemptions for consent

Answer 12

• does not have capacity
• emergency situation
• Advanced health directive

Question 13

implied consent

Answer 13

nurse must explain what is going to happen even if it has been done many times before

admission to hospital is not implied consent for all treatment in hospital

Question 14

what is a patient advocate?

Answer 14

A person chosen by a person to make medical descisions on their behalf when they are no longer competent

Question 15

Who can be a patient advocate

Answer 15

medical agent

a medical power of attorney

enduring guardian - partner, child

substitutive judgement principle - legal power

Question 16

Medical futility

Answer 16

the medical rationale for not continuing or considering treatment.

considered futile if treatment will not prevent permanent unconsciousness or dependence on intensive care.

Question 17

DNR

Answer 17

the decision to withhold CPR

Question 18

conscientious objection (HCW)

Answer 18

A refusal t participate in any procedure that would violate their morals

Question 19

Brain death is determined by:

Answer 19

• unresponsive coma
• Absences of brainstem reflexes
• Absence of respiratory centre function

must be certified by a minimum of 2 practitioners

findings must be irreversible and evidenced