Week 3 ethical theories & decision making

Question 1

What is an ethical dilemma?

Answer 1

two or more possible courses of action that are all really good, but choosing one means something else is relinquished or let go

Question 2

What are the 4 main ethical theories in health care and what are they based on?

Answer 2

Goal-or Consequence-based (Utilitarian most prominent)

Duty-based (Deontological)

Character-based (Virtue)

Relationship-based (Ethics of Care, Feminist)

based on our principles of
1.Respect for autonomy
2.Beneficence
3.Nonmaleficence
4. Justice
5. fidelity/integrity
6. veracity/truthfulness

Question 3

What is Goal-or Consequence-based (Utilitarian most prominent)
ethical theory?

Answer 3

what action yields the greatest good for the greatest amount of people

Question 4

What is Duty-based (Deontological)
ethical theory?

Answer 4

right/wrong actions - rules & policy
does the action follow the rules?

Question 5

What is Character-based (Virtue) ethical theory?

Answer 5

what would nurse Flo do?
being a good person. you make this decision because you intrinsically know you are someone with good character- acting in a virtuous way. intelligence, patients, prudence, compassion, humility, courage

Question 6

What is Relationship-based (Ethics of Care, Feminist) ethical theory?

Answer 6

• how would the action affect others?
  looking at people who are vulnerable, power imbalances etc. You root for the “underdog.” Feminist/relationship morals is that we do things to advocate for people. ie) the guy who makes money off of insulin production

Question 7

What is beneficence?

Answer 7

doing what is “good” for the patient

Question 8

What are the ethical principles and what do they help us do?

Answer 8

they help aid in the truth
guide to making decisions

1.Respect for autonomy
2.Beneficence
3.Nonmaleficence
4. Justice
5. fidelity/integrity
6. veracity/truthfulness

Question 9

what is nonmaleficience

Answer 9

not doing harm
- think about the unintended consequences
- risks vs benefits

Question 10

what is fidelity/integrity?

Answer 10

trust
does the decision erode trust?

Question 11

what is veracity/truthfulness?

Answer 11

is there opportunity for transparency?
giving someone ALL the options

Question 12

What are the steps of decision making?

Answer 12

1. Identify the problem
2. Identify who is affected and whose values are central and what are the values?
3. What ethical principles apply?
4. What ideals, obligations or dudties need to be considered?
   - CRNM expectations/practice directions
   - CNS code of ethics
   - informed consent
5. What other factors are relevant like ACP status, power dynamics etc
6. What are the implications and outcomes of potential solutions?
7. Evaluate the process and outcome
8. address moral distress or policy implications