Week 9 - Ethics

Question 1

Define Autonomy

Answer 1

the ability to choose without controlling interferences by others and without personal limitations that prevent meaningful choices, such as inadequate information or understanding

Question 2

Describe the relationship of competency and capacity to autonomy

Answer 2

Autonomy to make medical decisions cannot exist in the absence of competence

• Competence = legal term that relates to the ability to make independent decisions
• Capacity = term most medical experts prefer to describe the necessary skills to participate in medical decisions

Question 3

Define informed consent and informed refusal

Answer 3

Informed Consent: physicians have a duty to inform patients about the risks and alternatives to treatment, in addition to the procedures themselves and their consequences

Informed Refusal: a person has refused a recommended medical treatment based upon an understanding of the facts and implications of not following the treatment

*individuals have the right to determine what happens to them to the degree that they are capable of doing so

Question 4

Define informed consent and informed refusal

Answer 4

Informed Consent: physicians have a duty to inform patients about the risks and alternatives to treatment, in addition to the procedures themselves and their consequences

Informed Refusal: a person has refused a recommended medical treatment based upon an understanding of the facts and implications of not following the treatment (ex. withdraw of life support or DNR)

*individuals have the right to determine what happens to them to the degree that they are capable of doing so

Question 5

Describe the ethical challenges of providing care for the Jehovah witness patient

Answer 5

Need to have a thorough and detailed preop discussion of possible therapies and conclusions should be documented in the patient’s chart

*What about for a pediatric pt? – go through the court

Question 6

What characteristics define competency for decision making?

Answer 6

• Is a legal finding
• Needs a guardian can’t understand healthcare
• Can’t provide for own safety, food, shelter without injury
• Conservatorship for financial affairs

Question 7

Define emancipated or mature minor status in pediatric patients

Answer 7

Emancipated: a court determines that a minor can legally make medical decisions for themselves

Mature Minor: when a judge declares a minor has decision-making capacity but is not “emancipated”

Question 8

Define emancipated or mature minor status in pediatric patients

Answer 8

Emancipated: a court determines that a minor can legally make medical decisions for themselves

Mature Minor: when a judge declares a minor has decision-making capacity but is not “emancipated”

Question 9

Define beneficent and nonmaleficence

Answer 9

Beneficence: act of doing good

Non-Maleficence: to do no harm

Question 10

What are the the AANA Code of Ethics? (9)

Answer 10

1. Practices with compassion and respect
2. Knows that the primary relationship is with the patient (individual, family, community)
3. Advocates for the patient
4. Has authority and is accountable & responsible for nursing practice
5. Has the same duty for self-care
6. Is responsible for an environment of safe care
7. Maintains practice standards
8. Collaborates with other professions
9. Strives for social justice