Ethics

Autonomy

Respect the patient's right to make their own decisions.

Autonomy involves

Obtaining informed consent.

Autonomy requires

Honoring a competent patient's choices even if you disagree.

Memory Trick for Autonomy

The patient decides.

Beneficence

Doing good for the patient.

Beneficence includes

Promoting health and well-being.

Beneficence means

Acting in the patient's best interest.

Memory Trick for Beneficence

Do good.

Nonmaleficence

Do no harm.

Nonmaleficence includes

Preventing injury and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Nonmaleficence requires

Following safe nursing practices.

Memory Trick for Nonmaleficence

Don't harm.

Justice

Treat everyone fairly.

Justice requires

Providing equal care regardless of age, race, income, or background.

Justice includes

Allocating healthcare resources fairly.

Memory Trick for Justice

Be fair.

Fidelity

Keeping promises and remaining faithful to professional responsibilities.

Fidelity includes

Following through on commitments.

Fidelity helps

Maintain patient trust.

Memory Trick for Fidelity

Keep your word.

Veracity

Telling the truth.

Veracity requires

Being honest with patients.

Veracity includes

Giving accurate information.

Memory Trick for Veracity

Be truthful.

Confidentiality

Protecting patient privacy.

Confidentiality requires

Following privacy laws and organizational policies.

Confidentiality allows sharing information

Only with those involved in the patient's care.

Memory Trick for Confidentiality

Keep patient information private.

Ethical Concepts

Common NCLEX topics include Accountability, Advocacy, Responsibility, and Professionalism.

Accountability

Accept responsibility for your actions.

Accountability requires

Reporting errors promptly.

Accountability includes

Documenting accurately.

Advocacy

Speaking up for the patient's rights and wishes.

Advocacy includes

Protecting vulnerable patients.

Advocacy ensures

Informed decision-making.

Responsibility

Perform duties safely and competently.

Responsibility requires

Following standards of care.

Professionalism

Maintaining competence.

Professionalism includes

Respecting patients and coworkers.

Professionalism requires

Following the nursing code of ethics.

First step of ethical decision-making

Identify the problem.

Second step of ethical decision-making

Gather the facts.

Third step of ethical decision-making

Identify the ethical principles involved.

Fourth step of ethical decision-making

Consider available options.

Fifth step of ethical decision-making

Choose the best action.

Final step of ethical decision-making

Evaluate the outcome.

Scenario: Competent patient refuses a blood transfusion

Autonomy.

Why is refusing a blood transfusion Autonomy?

The competent patient's informed decision should generally be respected.

Scenario: Another nurse makes a medication error

Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, and Accountability.

Priority after discovering a medication error

Protect the patient first.

After protecting the patient from a medication error

Report the error according to policy.

Scenario: Patient asks, "Do I really have cancer?"

Veracity.

How should a nurse respond when asked if a patient has cancer?

Provide truthful information within your role and involve the healthcare provider as appropriate.

Scenario: Two patients need the same limited resource

Justice.

How should limited healthcare resources be allocated?

Fairly according to established criteria.

Memory Trick for Ethical Principles

A Big Nurse Just Feels Very Caring.

A in the memory trick

Autonomy.

B in the memory trick

Beneficence.

N in the memory trick

Nonmaleficence.

J in the memory trick

Justice.

F in the memory trick

Fidelity.

V in the memory trick

Veracity.

C in the memory trick

Confidentiality.

Autonomy Key Question

What does the patient want?

Beneficence Key Question

How can I help?

Nonmaleficence Key Question

Could this cause harm?

Justice Key Question

Am I treating everyone fairly?

Fidelity Key Question

Am I honoring my commitments?

Veracity Key Question

Am I being honest?

Confidentiality Key Question

Am I keeping patient information private?