Ch 5: Healthcare Ethics

Bioethicists

Individuals who study the moral and societal implications of biomedical advances, such as novel pharmaceuticals and genetic engineering.

Cessation

The act or process of bringing something to a complete end.

Chromosomes

Rod-shaped structures located within a cell's nucleus that carry genetic information.

Cryopreservation

The technique of preserving biological materials or tissues by cooling and storing them at extremely low temperatures.

Discipline

A specific branch of knowledge, learning, or professional instruction (e.g., medicine, nursing, social work, or physical therapy).

Embryo

A developing organism from the moment of conception through the eighth week of development.

Ethics

Standardized rules of conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior within a group or society.

Ethics committee

A multidisciplinary group within a healthcare institution that evaluates and provides guidance on complex moral dilemmas.

Evidence-based practice

A clinical model that integrates the most current, high-quality research findings to deliver optimal patient care.

Germline cells

Reproductive cells, specifically sperm and egg cells, responsible for passing genetic information to offspring.

Morals

Internal principles and deeply held personal beliefs that distinguish between right and wrong.

Oocyte

An immature female egg cell (ovum).

Personal ethics

An individual's foundational code of conduct and personal standards regarding acceptable behavior.

Resident

A physician who has graduated from medical school and is receiving supervised, specialized clinical training.

Somatic cells

Nonreproductive biological cells that comprise the body of an organism, excluding sperm and egg cells.

Surrogate

A person appointed to act on behalf of or stand in the place of another individual (e.g., a healthcare proxy or surrogate mother).