Ch. 11 - Ethics and Legal Issues

Ethics

Standards of moral conduct in a society.

Bioethics

Study of ethical and philosophical issues in biology and medicine.

ANA Code of Ethics

Defines the values, morals, and standards guiding nursing practice.

Moral Distress

The anguish that healthcare professionals experience when their ethical principles are challenged.

Malpractice

A type of unintentional tort that involves negligence by a professional.

Informed Consent

The process of obtaining permission from a patient before a medical procedure begins.

Advance Directives

Legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in cases where they cannot communicate.

Good Samaritan Acts

Laws designed to protect individuals from legal liability when they provide aid to those who are injured.

Duty

One of the Four D’s of negligence, referring to the obligation to care for a patient.

Confidentiality

The ethical principle ensuring that patient information is kept private.

Civility

Professional ethical standard in the academic setting, promoting respect and politeness among individuals.

Statutory Law

Laws enacted by a legislative body, including Nurse Practice Acts.

Fidelity

The ethical principle of keeping promises and commitments to patients.

Negligence

A failure to take proper care in doing something, leading to damage or injury.

Torts

Legal wrongs committed against a person or property, which can be intentional or unintentional.