350 legal and ethical concepts

What is ethics?

A branch of philosophy concerned with evaluating human action.

What does ethics study?

The science or study of moral values.

What principle is often associated with ethics?

Do no harm.

What are the main concepts evaluated in ethics?

Right vs wrong, good vs bad.

What is bioethics?

A specific area of ethics that focuses on moral issues in health care.

What is the primary commitment of nurses according to the ANA Code of Ethics?

The nurse's primary commitment is to the Patient.

Who publishes the Code of Ethics for nurses?

The American Nurses Association.

What is the purpose of the Code of Ethics in nursing?

Establishes ethical standards and a guide for nurses to use in ethical decision making.

What is the foundation of nursing practice according to the Code of Ethics?

The Code of Ethics is foundational to nursing practice and is not negotiable.

What types of issues do Ethics Committees address?

End of life issues, Informed Consent, and Organ Donation.

Who is typically involved in Ethics Committees?

Nurses, social workers, physicians, nurse practitioners, and appointed board members.

When do Ethics Committees typically meet?

They meet when significant ethical dilemmas arise.

How does the Code of Ethics assist nurses in decision making?

It helps in decision making based on the patient's best interest.

What is Provision 1 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.

What is Provision 2 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.

What is Provision 3 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.

What is Provision 4 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The nurse has authority, accountability and responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes action consistent with the obligation to provide optimal patient care.

What is Provision 5 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth.

What is Provision 6 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The nurse, through individual and collective effort, establishes, maintains, and improves the ethical environment of the work setting and conditions of employment that are conducive to safe, quality health care.

What is Provision 7 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The nurse, in all roles and settings, advances the profession through research and scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of both nursing and health policy.

What is Provision 8 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities.

What is Provision 9 of the ANA Code for Nurses?

The profession of nursing, collectively through its professional organizations, must articulate nursing values, maintain the integrity of the profession, and integrate principles of social justice into nursing and health policy.

What is Provision 10 of the ANA Code for Nurses as of 2025?

Nursing through organizations and associations, participating in the global nursing and health community to promote human and environmental health, well being, and flourishing.

What is autonomy in the context of healthcare?

The right of self-determination.

What does autonomy encompass?

Choice, independence, and freedom from controlling influences.

What is a key principle of respecting autonomy?

Respect for the individual.

How is each person viewed in terms of autonomy?

Each person is unique and equal to others.

What are some ways to preserve patient autonomy?

By treating patients with respect and dignity.

What does autonomy allow individuals to do?

The ability to self-rule and develop personal decisions independently.

What are examples of autonomy in healthcare?

Informed consent, advanced directives, right to deny treatment.

How can healthcare providers ensure patient autonomy?

By providing informed consent and discussing risks and options with the patient.

Beneficence

What is beneficence in nursing?

Obligation to do good, not harm.

What does beneficence require in terms of patient care?

Prevent evil or harm.

How should nurses act according to beneficence?

Act in the best interest of the patient.

What qualities are associated with beneficence?

Being kind, having mercy, and charity.

What should our actions as nurses aim to do?

Benefit the patient and help their well-being.

What is an example of an action that demonstrates beneficence?

Making sure side rails are up correctly.

What is another example of an action that demonstrates beneficence?

Repositioning the patient.

What are the 5 R's of medication in relation to beneficence?

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time.

What is the definition of nonmaleficence?

Prohibition of intentional harm

What should be the outcome for a patient after receiving nursing care according to nonmaleficence?

The patient should be no worse for having received nursing care

What is a nurse's duty regarding certain behaviors that could cause harm?

It is the nurse's duty to report certain behaviors that would result in intentional harm

What is the intent of nonmaleficence?

The intent to do no harm

How does beneficence differ from nonmaleficence?

Beneficence requires taking an action to benefit others, while nonmaleficence is refraining from an action that might harm others

What is an example of nonmaleficence in nursing practice?

Conducting a fall risk assessment to avoid negligent care

What does justice refer to in terms of fairness?

Fairness

What is the obligation of justice regarding similar cases?

Obligation to treat like cases similarly

What does being equitable mean in the context of justice?

Being equitable

What principle of justice opposes favoritism?

No favoritism

What does justice advocate for in terms of resource distribution?

Equitable distribution of resources

What does justice involve regarding the distribution of benefits and burdens?

Refers to fair distributions of benefits and burdens

What does fidelity refer to in a professional context?

Obligation to be faithful to agreements, commitments, and responsibilities.

What does fidelity imply in relation to patients?

Faithfulness and loyalty to the patient.

What is the foundation of accountability?

Fidelity.

What does accepting responsibility for your actions demonstrate?

Fidelity.

What is an example of fidelity in practice?

Reporting a medication error whether it was you or not.

What does veracity mean?

Truth telling

What does veracity involve in the context of nursing?

Trust and respect

What is a key requirement for nurses regarding patient information?

Nurses must tell patients the truth and cannot withhold or misrepresent information.

Why is veracity considered essential in nursing?

It is one of the most essential principles.

What is important for nurses to maintain with their coworkers?

Empowerment and openness in honesty.

What is the main principle of Utilitarianism?

The best decision is one that brings the greatest good for the most people.

What ethical approach is associated with Utilitarianism?

Consequentialism

What does situational ethics emphasize in decision-making?

That which causes a good outcome is a good action.

What is the focus of Utilitarianism?

Outcome focused

How does Utilitarianism relate to healthcare distribution?

It advocates for the distribution of healthcare providers to areas of 'most need'.

What is the theory that underpins Utilitarianism?

The theory of utility

What is deontology?

Duty-based ethics

What type of system is deontology?

Formalistic system

According to deontology, how should all persons be treated?

ALL persons are worthy of respect and should be treated the same

What do the rules in deontology center around?

Intrinsic good

What type of actions does deontology emphasize?

Actions that are duty based and that are not based on rewards, happiness or consequences

What qualities should individuals act from according to deontology?

Rationality, freedom, good will, and a sense of duty

What does social justice support?

Justice and equal rights for everyone

Who should receive the preferential benefit in social justice?

The most disadvantaged person

What does social justice guide us into?

Organized human interactions

What is a characteristic of ethics?

Ethics is NOT clear cut or linear; it is 'fluid' and can change.

What does ethical decision-making often bring up?

Moral uncertainty.

What might be a consequence of making an ethical choice?

Your choice may not be popular.

What is an ethical dilemma?

A situation where an individual must choose between two different actions that affect others' well-being.

Can both actions in an ethical dilemma be justified?

Yes, both actions can be reasonably justified.

What can trigger a situational ethical dilemma?

Interactions with a co-worker, patient, or family.

What might happen to the popularity of your decision in an ethical dilemma?

The decision you make might not be the most popular decision.

What does futile care mean?

Futile care means ineffective.

What is the definition of futile care in the context of dying patients?

Futile care refers to treatment that has no physiologic benefit in the dying.

What does the use of futile care involve?

The use of medical intervention beyond comfort.

Are physicians ethically required to provide futile care?

No, physicians are not ethically required to provide futile care.

What ethical principles support the decision to not provide futile care?

The principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.

What is the ethical stance on providing futile care as a healthcare provider?

Providers are not ethically required to provide futile care.

What is the principle that guides the decision to avoid futile care?

The principle of 'do no harm.'

What types of interventions may be considered futile care?

Withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining interventions, blood transfusion, ventilation, artificial feeding, chemotherapy, chemo dialysis, CPR, and some medications.

What are potential concerns associated with providing futile care?

Concerns include 'playing god' and the possibility of lawsuits.