NRSG 115 final exam- week 10

Belief

What an individual accepts as true that helps shape values, perceptions, and decisions.

Value

An enduring belief or attitude about what is important, desirable, or worthwhile that guides behavior.

Moral

A personal standard of right and wrong based on social norms, customs, and conscience.

Ethics

A systematic method of inquiry used to guide decisions about right and wrong professional conduct.

Difference Between Beliefs and Values

Beliefs are ideas accepted as true, while values determine what is considered important.

Difference Between Values and Morals

Values identify priorities, while morals judge actions as right or wrong.

Difference Between Morals and Ethics

Morals are personal standards, while ethics are professional and philosophical frameworks.

Why Ethics Matter in Nursing

Nurses face complex decisions where personal beliefs may conflict with professional responsibilities.

Value Clarification (Patients)

The process of helping patients identify what is important to them so they can make informed, autonomous decisions.

Value Clarification (Nurses)

A reflective process that helps nurses recognize their own values to prevent bias in care.

Value System

An organized ranking of values based on importance that guides decision-making.

Ethical Theory

A framework that provides a lens for analyzing ethical situations and guiding decisions.

Consequentialism (Teleological Ethics)

An ethical theory that judges actions based on outcomes or consequences.

Utilitarianism

A form of consequentialism focused on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number.

Deontology

An ethical theory based on duties, rules, and principles rather than outcomes.

Deontological Focus

Emphasizes honesty, truthfulness, and moral obligations regardless of consequences.

Caring (Relational) Ethics

An ethical approach emphasizing relationships, context, and caring in decision-making.

Relational Ethics in Nursing

Recognizes that ethical decisions are shaped by relationships and social context.

Biomedical Ethical Principles

Core healthcare ethics principles including autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.

Autonomy

The right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own care.

Beneficence

The ethical duty to do good and promote patient well-being.

Nonmaleficence

The ethical duty to avoid causing harm and to prevent or remove harm.

Justice

The ethical principle focused on fairness and equitable distribution of resources.

Paternalism

Making decisions for a patient that limit autonomy, usually to prevent harm.

Fidelity

The duty to keep promises and remain faithful to professional commitments.

Veracity

The ethical obligation to tell the truth and avoid deception.

CNA Code of Ethics

A professional guide outlining ethical responsibilities of nurses in Canada.

Purpose of the CNA Code of Ethics

Provides guidance, accountability, and support for ethical nursing practice.

CNA Value 1

Honouring the dignity and autonomy of all people.

CNA Value 2

Valuing relationships and humanizing care.

CNA Value 3

Maintaining integrity and accountability in nursing practice.

CNA Value 4

Pursuing truth and reconciliation.

CNA Value 5

Promoting social justice.

CNA Value 6

Providing competent professional nursing practice.

CNA Value 7

Preserving privacy and confidentiality.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation where two or more ethically acceptable options conflict.

Moral Integrity

Acting ethically and consistently with professional values even when difficult.

Moral Distress

Knowing the ethically correct action but being unable to act due to barriers.

Good Ethical Decision

A decision that serves the client’s best interest while preserving integrity.

Ethical Decision-Making

A systematic and rational process that applies ethical principles and theories.

Storch’s Four Conditions for Ethical Decision-Making

Commitment to do what is right, knowledge of facts, clarity of thought, and understanding of ethics.

Ethical Decision-Making Step 1

Determine whether the issue is an ethical dilemma.

Ethical Decision-Making Step 2

Gather all relevant information about the situation.

Ethical Decision-Making Step 3

Examine and clarify personal values related to the issue.

Ethical Decision-Making Step 4

Clearly state the ethical problem.

Ethical Decision-Making Step 5

Consider all possible courses of action.

Ethical Decision-Making Step 6

Reflect on potential outcomes of each option.

Ethical Decision-Making Step 7

Evaluate the decision and its outcomes.

Nurses’ Ethical Obligations

Maximize patient well-being, respect autonomy, support families, follow policies, and maintain integrity.

Role of Personal Values in Ethical Reasoning

Personal values influence decisions but must not override professional standards.

Managing Value Conflicts in Nursing

Recognizing personal bias and prioritizing ethical and professional responsibilities.

STOP THINK Communicate Model

A structured approach to resolving ethical conflicts through reflection and dialogue.

Importance of Context in Ethical Decisions

Ethical decisions must consider relationships, culture, and situational factors.