Module 4.1 Ethical context of MH care

Question 1

Name and describe the 4 main (& 2 additional) ethical principles of Nursing

Answer 1

1) Autonomy: Freedom, Self-determination
* involves one’s ability to self-rule and to generate personal decisions independently.

2) Beneficence: ‘to do good’.
* consists of deeds of respect, kindness, consideration

3) Nonmaleficence: ‘do no harm’/ remove harm
* often paired with beneficence.
B= taking action
M= refraining from action

4) Justice: respect rights for all
* refers to the fair distribution of benefits and burdens.

5) Fidelity : Faithfulness / commitment
6) Veracity: Truth telling

Question 2

define informed consent

Answer 2

permission granted in full knowledge of the possible consequences, including risks and benefits.

Question 3

what is required for consent to be valid?

Answer 3

Can either be: Implied, verbal or written.

Must be:
1) informed - full information, risks, benefits, alternatives.

2) voluntarily - freely & without duress
3) competent - understand, & communicate their decision
4) Specific - Cover proposed intervention/treatment

Question 4

Define incapacity

Answer 4

inability of a person to look after their own health, safety, welfare, or to manage affairs, due to cognitive deficit that impairs decision making abilities.

Question 5

List causes that may cause either permanent, temporary, or partial incapacity (11)

Answer 5

• Neurological disease
• Mental illness
• medications
• Delirium
• pain
• sedation
• fatigue
• drugs/alcohol
• emotional shock
• panic / fear
• intellectual disability

Question 6

Define the term capacity and what are the key features

Answer 6

capacity means being of sound mind to understand and make decisions based on ability to process information, benefits and risks.

Question 7

Define the term competence

Answer 7

• the ability to speak, understand, communicate, perform tasks/duties at an expected level within the community.
• To be responsible for one’s own actions/decisions in a court of law.

Question 8

what are the 3 principles of defining capacity & competence?

Answer 8

Principle 1):
* has (assume) capacity unless demonstrated otherwise

Principle 2):
* proportional to seriousness of decision

Principle 3):
* specific to particular decision and time frame