Sherpath: Ethical Considerations in Nursing Practice

Which action would the nurse take if he or she feels that the health care provider has written a prescription that is unethical?

Clarify the prescription with the health care provider to confirm that there is no misunderstanding. If the nurse feels that the prescription is still unethical, he or she would consult a nursing supervisor.

Ethical issues in nursing can be divided into which three categories?

Cognitive Societal Volitional

Focuses on the actions involved in making the decision, not the outcome

Deontology

Which ethical theory would best support the decision that the hospital was correct in obtaining state custody of a child to administer chemotherapy?

Deontology

The statement "do what is right, regardless of the outcome" would fall under which ethical theories?

Duty-based ethical theory Nonconsequentialism Deontology

Which application of the ethical principal of fidelity specific to the heart transplant case study is correct?

Faithfulness and keeping the promise to do the best you can for the patient, regardless of the patient's past history

Which descriptions characterize the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses?

Foundation for the ethical practice of nursing Written public document that is amended approximately every 10 years Identifies the responsibilities and obligations of the nurse

Which categories are addressed in the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses?

Fundamental values and obligations of the nurse Duty and loyalty both to self and others Responsibility for the health care environment and setting Duty to go beyond solely patient care

When referencing the Staircase Model of Professional Development, which statement best describes how a nurse grows in expert ethical decision-making?

Nurses learn from experience in dealing with ethical dilemmas, slip and fall sometimes, but ultimately gain more knowledge from those experiences and continue to work toward their own professional ideal and the expectation of society.

Which information would be considered in an ethics consult based on the case study and the general guidelines for an ethics consult?

Child's age Religious influence Child's life expectancy Life expectancy after a heart transplant

Which scenario is an example of deontology, or duty-based ethics?

A lifeguard has been told that a man who is drowning is a known pedophile, and letting the man drown might protect others from future harm. The lifeguard chooses to save the pedophile because letting him drown would not be the moral action.

Which characteristics are consistent with that of a surrogate decision-maker?

A surrogate decision-maker is expected to make the same decision as the person for whom he or she is making the decision. The decision is based on the morals and values of the person in need of urgent medical care. A surrogate decision-maker is used during times of medical emergencies for persons who are unable to decide for themselves.

Which phrases describe the ethical principle of beneficence?

Action equals a direct benefit Maximizing of good Promoting of good Promoting a positive outcome

Focuses on the overall ethical status of the individual making the decision

Agent-Based Theory

Provisions 4, 5, and 6 of the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses address issues of duty and loyalty both to self and others along with an obligation to the health care environment. Which provisions belong in this category?

Be a positive role model, and respect colleagues in the working environment. Owe the same moral obligation to self as to others. Be responsible and accountable for one's own nursing practice, including delegation, nursing judgment, and actions.

Which statements about bioethics are correct?

Bioethics is a term used to describe the study of morals, values, and ethics, in relation to medicine and medical research. Bioethics has led to a whole new field of medicine with research dedicated solely to ethical issues in health care. Bioethics addresses the rights and duties of researchers and their research subjects.

Which actions apply to provision 1 of the ANA Code of Ethics: "The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person"?

Building respectful, caring, and compassionate relationships with colleagues Recognizing a person's inalienable rights Recognizing and caring for all humans with dignity and compassion regardless of disease, disability, or religious or lifestyle choice

Which scenarios are examples of the ethical theory of utilitarianism?

Hospital isolation policy for infants with respiratory syncytial virus Hospital visitation restrictions during influenza season for children younger than 12 years of age Mandatory flu vaccination for all hospital employees Contact isolation for patients diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

When faced with an ethical decision in your nursing career, which actions can help guide you in your decision-making?

Identifying your own thoughts, beliefs, and values Gathering articles and information relevant to the dilemma Identifying ethical resources at your place of employment Communicating often with the health care team regarding the dilemma

Believes that one's character cannot be cultivated and is innate

Intuitionist Theory

The phrase "I just knew it was the right thing to do" is an example of using which ethical theory?

Intuitionist theory

Which statement best describes the ethical principle of utility?

It does not matter what the action is as long as the outcome is positive and benefits many.

Which statements describe the ethical theory of deontology?

It reflects the beliefs of nonconsequentialists. The primary intent of the action is judged, not the repercussions. Its aim is to perform the right action.

Which description of rights-based ethical theory is accurate?

Nonconsequentialist theory based on the belief that all individuals are entitled to certain rights that cannot be taken away

Which scenarios are examples that demonstrate the rights-based ethical theory?

Refusing chemotherapy Refusing vaccinations Demanding that every effort be made to save your child Requesting to die with dignity

Which scenario is an example of the principle of autonomy in the health care field?

Refusing chemotherapy even though the treatment is known to be 90% effective

Which situation is a common area of conflict with the ethical principle of beneficence seen in the nursing profession?

Refusing to follow through on a patient's advance directive

So Far No Objections (SFNO) is an easy acronym that you can use to help guide nurses at times of ethical decision-making. Which description correctly represents the SFNO process?

Stakeholders, Facts, Norms, and Options: Identifying who is involved, facts in conflict, how it normally would be resolved, and all possible alternatives or solutions

Judges an action as moral or immoral and is not based on the outcome of the action

Teleology

Which scenario is an example of a therapeutic fib?

Telling a pediatric patient whose father has passed away, "Your dad isn't here at the moment, but I'll let you know when he gets here," because his mother has requested that she tell her child the difficult news.

Which statement about the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics is correct?

The ANA Code of Ethics is a reference for nurses that identifies the ethical ideals of the profession.

The Code of Ethics for Nurses is composed and published by which organized group?

The American Nurses Association

Which phrase best describes the ethical principle of justice?

The belief that everybody is entitled to be treated fairly regardless of race, gender, or wealth

Which statement explains the main difference between beneficence and nonmaleficence?

The focus in nonmaleficence is on not inflicting harm, and the focus in beneficence is on promoting good.

Aims to develop character and follow values such as kindness and caring

Virtue Ethics

Which theories are examples of agent-based ethical theories?

Virtue ethics theory Intuitionist theory

Which actions are examples of how to encourage growth in the process of ethical decision-making?

Volunteering to serve on ethics committees Identifying your own individual beliefs and moral values Finding a coworker who understands your beliefs and is able to effectively communicate with others Distributing articles and information on ethical dilemmas to other team members involved in the conflict