BioEthics (Reviewer)

Autonomy

a foundational ethical principle that grants patients the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse treatment

Respecting autonomy means?

protecting the patient's right to dignity, control, and informed refusal

DNR

are sensitive yet critical components of end-of-life careNurses must ensure that these orders are

Clearly written and visible

Understood by all members of the healthcare team

Reviewed regularly

Nurses must ensure that DNR orders are

consequences of actions

The ethical theory of utilitarianism focuses on

relief from unmanageable suffering and an overall reduction in distress for the patient and family

In discussions about euthanasia, a utilitarian lens would evaluate whether the procedure leads to

Family conferences, ethics consults, and clear explanations of the patient’s legal rights

what are the essential strategies for Navigating Family Disagreements

Beauchamp and Childress’ Four Principles

respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice is known as?

beneficence

if prolonging life causes greater suffering, nurses may weigh non maleficence over

DNR decisions and treatment limitations

this should be based on what the patient defines as an acceptable quality of life

listening to what the patient prioritizes, even if that means choosing comfort over longevity

Ethical care means in Centering Decisions on Patient Values

process of education and dialogue

Informed consent isn't just a form—it's a?

non maleficence

if the treatment is only prolonging life wihtout improving it (futile treatment) the nurse must reflect on?

cessation of futile interventions

if the intervention is only prolonging suffering or delaying dying the nurses must advocate for?

validating emotions and enhancing palliative supports

In countries where euthanasia is illegal, ethical care means

current, specific, and signed by the patient and authorized witnesses.

in Validating Advanced Directives, Nurses should check whether the directive is

clear communication

Effective end-of-life care is impossible without

surrogate consent and assent

when an individual is not legally able to provide informed consent they may require?

Beneficence

the ethical principle that compels researchers to act in the best interest of participants

Beneficence

It involves designing studies that maximize benefits and minimize harm, ensuring participant safety and well-being throughout the research.

Assent

the affirmative agreement to participate from someone who is not legally able to give informed consent

parental or guardian consent

Assent must be coupled with these for the research to be ethical

informed consent form

provides participants with clear information about the study’s purpose, risks, benefits, and their rights.

informed consent form

It ensures voluntary participation and is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in research

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

reviews research protocols to ensure that the study protects the rights and welfare of participants. I

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

It assesses risk, consent processes, and ethical design before giving approval to proceed

Justice

requires fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of research

Justice

It ensures that no group is unfairly selected or excluded and that participants are treated equitably throughout the research process

confidentiality

Sharing data with unauthorized individuals is a serious breach of

Nuremberg Code

outlines foundational research ethics such as voluntary consent, risk minimization, and scientific necessity.

after WWII

when was Nuremberg Code developed?

Nuremberg Code

cornerstone in the ethical conduct of human research

Autonomy in Research

this is honored when participants are free to leave a study at any time, without penalty

Purpose of Informed Consent in Research

It empowers them to make an informed, voluntary decision about participation

Belmont Report

defines the core ethical principles of Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice

Belmont Report

These principles guide ethical research practices and are central to the evaluation of studies by IRBs.

Non-maleficence

Researchers must minimize risks through careful study design and ongoing monitoring to protect participants from unnecessary harm.

parental consent and child assent

these are required in ethical research involving minors. This approach respects the legal rights of guardians and the developing autonomy of the child

Conflicts of interest

can compromise the objectivity of research

accuracy and integrity of documentation

these are essential to uphold scientific standards in Key Consideration in Research Documentation

clear, precise, and honest records

Researchers must maintain these to support the study’s validity and reproducibility.

Inadequate documentation

can result in invalid findings, ethical violations, and difficulties in replication

Accurate record keeping

this is vital for scientific credibility

conflict of interest

occurs when personal or financial relationships may compromise a researcher’s objectivity or ethical responsibilities.

Disclosure

is essential to protect study integrity

Profitability

not an ethical guideline in research documentation

Debriefing

ensures transparency, offers closure, and informs participants about the study, especially if deception or psychological risk was involved

Ethical dissemination

ensures transparency and acknowledges the contribution of participants. It includes reporting results to stakeholders and communities involved.

Data misrepresentation

distorts findings, misleads readers, and violates scientific integrity

Quality of life

this is a patient-centered consideration, reflecting how treatment will impact daily living, comfort, and dignity—especially in chronic or serious illness

Cultural beliefs

often shape how a patient views illness, treatment, and end-of-life care, and must be respected and explored by the team

Patient-centered care

focuses on delivering treatment that reflects what matters most to the patient, not just what is clinically recommended

Empathy

improves communication, fosters trust, and supports ethical, respectful care, especially in emotionally difficult decisions.

Shared decision-making

ensures that treatment plans are formed with input from all stakeholders, respecting medical, ethical, and personal concerns.

Bioethics Consultation

helps navigate complex ethical issues, supporting the team, patient, and family in achieving morally responsible decisions

Service Value

refers to how well a medical service improves patient outcomes relative to the resources used.

beneficence

Service Value reflects the ethical principle of

Paternalism

occurs when healthcare providers override or bypass a patient’s wishes under the belief that they are acting in the patient's best interest.

Medical Futility

describes situations where treatments are unlikely to result in any significant improvement in the patient's condition or quality of life.