legal/ ethical power point Flashcards
provide safe and compassionate care based on
ethical and legal standards of care
current clinical facility policies
evidence-based practice guidelines
ethics is
branch of philosophy concerned with
distinction between right and wrong based on body of knowledge, not based only on opinions
Morality is
– behavior in accordance with customs or
traditions – usually reflects personal religion/beliefs
Moral/Ethical Principles are
fundamental values or
assumptions about the way individuals should be treated and cared for. Codes that direct or govern
Nursing Action.
Autonomy moral/ethical principles
A client’s right to SelfDetermination Without
Outside Control.
Freedom to make
choices even if not in
agreement with health
care team
Rational thinking on the
part of the individual
Challenged when the
individual infringes upon
the rights of others
Autonomy Nursing moral/ethical principles
The client must be informed to
make a decision
Informed consents – (informed
and voluntary decision to
accept or decline medical
care)
Not impose our own
opinions/beliefs
Communication between
client & the healthcare
providers
Advance Directives can help
Examples of Autonomy
A pregnant mother refuses blood transfusion,
refusing could result in death of her /fetus –
Jehovah Witness Beliefs
Beneficence Moral/Ethical Principles
Duty to Actively Do
Good for Clients
Compassionate Care for
all people in all
circumstances
Not paternalism
(healthcare provider
always knows best)
Who defines “good”?
(client, family, nurse,
healthcare provider?)
Beneficence Nursing Moral/Ethical Principles
Goal is to achieve the
highest level of function
What is best for the
needs of others, not
myself
Preserving humanity,
dignity, caring,
promoting well being.
Examples of Beneficence
Post Surgery – Encourage ambulation,
TCDB
Providing the Evidence Based Practice
to care for the client.
Health promotion, teaching and safety
Nonmaleficence Moral/Ethical Principles
Duty to Prevent or Avoid
Doing Harm, Whether
Intentional or
Unintentional
Nonmaleficence Nursing
Follow the Scope of
Practice
“First do no harm”
Knowledgeable of skills,
care, medications.
justice Moral/Ethical Principles
The Duty to Treat All
Clients Fairly, Without
Regard to Age,
Socioeconomic Status,
or Other Variables.
Equitable distribution of
potential benefits and
tasks.
Who will be treated first?
VIP, underinsured.
justice nursing Moral/Ethical Principles
Optimal level of care for
all.
Being an advocate if this
is not being done – go to
person, the manager.
Examples of Justice
Moving an unstable patient in ICU to
another regular floor to make room for
the surgeon’s post op patient.
fidelity Moral/Ethical Principles
The Duty to Be
Faithful to
Commitments
fidelity nursing Moral/Ethical Principles
Nursing
Keeping promises of care
Examples of Fidelity
Returning with information about the
Endoscopy as promised
Walking the client in the hall as
requested
veracity Moral/Ethical Principles
The Duty to Tell the
Truth
Honesty improves
the Nurse-Patient
Relationship
Respect for others
and honesty builds
trust.
Veracity nursing moral/ethical principles
Give honest answers
when the client asked
questions.
Do not lie to the client
advocacy Moral/Ethical Principles
Be An Advocate
Patient advocate is a
person who speaks up
for or acts on the
behalf of the client,
protects the client’s
rights to make his/her
own decision.
American Nurses
Associates Bill of Rights
for Registered Nurses
advocacy Nursing Moral/Ethical Principles
Collaborate and
coordinate patient
care - Ex. Contact
referral agencies
and network with
other health care
professionals
Speak up for the
patient’s needs and
benefit.
Accountability Moral/Ethical Principles
Accepting
responsibility and
consequences for
one’s actions.
Learns and practices
best nursing
practices based on
evidence-based
research.
Accountability Nursing Moral/Ethical Principles
Readily admits to
action without having
to be questioned by
others
Researches the new
medication before
administering
