WEEK 2 Flashcards
Understand ethics in the role of nursing
How can ethics be defined?
Making decisions, choosing right from wrong, acting within one’s individual values–each person has their own set of personal ethics and morals
What are 5 important ethical principals?
Autonomy, beneficence, veracity, fidelity, and justice
Define autonomy
freedom or independence to make own decisions
Define beneficence
actions guided by compassion/kindness
Veracity
telling the truth
Define fidelity
keeping promises or commitments
Define justice
actions are fair and equitable
How would one define altruism?
to do something or act for the sake of benefiting someone
How would one define dignity?
Implies that everyone, regardless of race, religion, sex, gender, or other individual identification, has value and should be respected simply because human beings are all equal.
How would one define integrity?
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles or moral uprightness
Social justice (aka distributive justice) means what in healthcare?
this principle suggest that regardless of societal status, every person has the right to quality health care
What can happen if a nurse acts in a way that is not consistent with best practice standards and harm is caused to client as a result?
The nurse could be charged with malpractice (or known as professional negligence)
When would a tort be commited?
if an individual carries out OR fails to carry out an act and that results in injury or harm to a client
How can torts be categorized?
intentional or unintentional
Implied consent
consent that is implied by actions
What is an example of implied consent?
A nurse says to a client, “Okay, I am here to give you your flu shot.” The client then rolls his sleeve up, preparing for the shot.
Informed consent
consent that is expressed in writing
What does informed consent require?
providers to educate clients about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to procedures
Why must informed consent by provided?
clients can make well-informed decisions about their health care
Good Samaritan Laws
A nurse decides to act outside of work, these laws protects the nurses from being held responsibe for harm, so long as the nurse is not being willfully negligent and is working within his/her licensure capacity
Define whistleblowing
an act when a person formally reports on illegal, wrongdoing, or unethical practices
What can whistleblowing result in?
It can result in punitive actions against the accused, but can also cause stress, fear of reprisal, and retaliation for the whistleblower
Why are some hesitant to be a whistleblower?
fear or reporting is a huge obstacle, but many laws exist to protect whistleblowers
Define mandatory reporting
legislation mandates that certain officials have a legal duty to report information that can prevent maltreatment and provide safety to another individual. Licensed nurses are mandatory reporters.