Ethics in Nursing and Resolving Ethical Dilemmas

Vocabulary flashcards covering key ethical concepts, theories, principles, frameworks and culturally informed values presented in the lecture on nursing ethics.

Ethics in Nursing

The professional standards and moral principles that guide nurses’ actions to respect patient dignity, rights and values.

Values (Nursing)

Fundamental beliefs—such as compassion, respect, integrity—that shape nurses’ decisions and interactions with patients.

Kaingākau

A Māori concept describing deeply held values that inform attitudes, priorities and behaviour.

Manaakitanga

Māori value of protecting others’ mana through generosity, care and support.

Morality (Personal Ethics)

An individual’s internal compass distinguishing right from wrong, influencing personal behaviour.

Patient Confidentiality

The ethical and legal duty to keep a patient’s personal health information private.

Autonomy

The right of patients to make informed, voluntary decisions about their own care.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation where two or more ethical principles conflict, requiring a difficult choice.

Deontology

Ethical theory focused on duty, rules and obligations rather than outcomes.

Utilitarianism

Ethical theory that judges actions by their consequences, seeking the greatest good for the greatest number.

Greatest Good for the Greatest Number

Utilitarian goal of maximising overall happiness or benefit, even if some individuals are disadvantaged.

Principlism

Decision-making approach using the four principles: autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice.

Non-maleficence

The ethical duty to avoid causing harm to patients.

Beneficence

The obligation to act in the best interests of the patient and promote their well-being.

Justice (Principle)

Fair and equitable treatment and distribution of healthcare resources among patients.

Justice as Fairness

John Rawls’ theory advocating equal basic liberties and arrangements that benefit the least advantaged.

Difference Principle

Rawlsian idea that social and economic inequalities are permissible only if they benefit the least advantaged.

Distributive Justice

Ethical allocation of benefits and burdens across society or a patient population.

Indigenous Ethical Frameworks

Approaches rooted in Indigenous values such as honour, trust, collective responsibility and respect for land.

Cultural Humility

A lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and learning about other cultures while addressing power imbalances.

Liautaud’s 4-Step Framework

Ethical decision model considering Principles, Information, Stakeholders and Consequences.

Stakeholders (Ethics)

Individuals or groups that can influence or are affected by an ethical decision.

Consequences (Ethical Decision-Making)

Short-, medium-, and long-term effects of a choice on all stakeholders.

2 × 4 Rapid Ethics Tool

Liautaud’s quick method: choose top two principles, consequences, forces and alternatives when time is limited.

Patient-Centered Care

Healthcare approach that prioritises individual patient preferences, needs and values in all decisions.