Nursing Ethics (7) + Nurses, Patients, and Families (13) Flashcards
moral distress
the feeling that nurses have when they have ethical dilemmas along with institutional constraints
ethical principles are part of which theory?
principalism
which ethical theory is applied in emergency situations?
utilitarianism
explain the concept of utilitarianism
means that the end justifies the means
(it is “moral” that a chest was cracked open for intubation, despite hurting the patient in that way)
which law protects healthcare workers when they exhibit utilitarianism?
Good Samaritan Law
what makes the ethical principle of autonomy difficult for nurses to honor?
if the patient is a minor that has a conflicting interest as their legal guardians
Kohlberg’ preconventional
self-centric values and personal needs go first
they are inattentive to social norms
Kohlberg’s conventional
awareness of consequences of their actions, especially of the possibility of reward
(toddlers learning the meaning of the word “no” when told to stop reaching for an object)
Kohlberg’s post-conventional
involves more independent thinking and at this point the individual has developed their own moral values
acute illness
characterized by severe symptoms that are short-lived
some are life-threatening and can lead to chronic illness
(MI, common cold, HIV)
chronic illness
gradual development, requires ongoing medical attention, and continue for a lifetime
(Parkinson’s, HTN, diabetes)
remission
symptoms of chronic illness subside
exacerbation
symptoms reappear or worsen
5 stages of adjusting to illness
1) disbelief and denial
2) irritability and anger
3) attempting to gain control
4) depression and grief
5) acceptance and participation
children learn how to act when they have an illness from parents and influential adults in their life
modeling
use of strategies that allows someone to assess and manage demands of their illness or condition
coping
creative adaptation to new surroundings and situations
resourcefulness
characterized by being able to do well despite difficult challenges and past trauma
resilience
belief in a higher power
spirituality
what is the nurse’s role in helping patients deal with stress?
patient must be helped to assess their own ability in recognizing symptoms of stress in order to modify the environment or coping mechanisms
nurses should educate them about their illness (more knowledge = decreased uncertainty/ anxiety)
a formal program by the ANCC that validates nurses and their hard work by providing opportunities for advancement and elevating their self-esteem
Magnet Recognition Program
according to Kohlberg, morality is developed
by creation of conflict in settings where the individual recognizes the limitations of the status quo mentality
what makes Gilligan’s moral stages of reasoning different from Kohlberg’s?
focused more on women and giving care; suggests that women view moral dilemmas in terms of conflicting responsibilities
Gilligan’s stages of moral reasoning
1) orientation to individual survival
2) focus on goodness with recognition of self-sacrifice
3) having the moral sense of caring for others and self
