Ethical Principles in Nursing Care (Lecture 29-06-2024)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key ethical principles and related clinical examples discussed in the nursing ethics lecture.

Beneficence

The ethical duty to actively do good for patients, enhancing their welfare through helpful actions and interventions.

Nonmaleficence

The obligation to avoid causing harm; e.g., giving only low-flow O₂ to COPD patients or withholding sedating narcotics from a bus driver who must drive.

Justice

Providing fair, equal treatment to every patient without discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, gender, or any other factor.

Autonomy

Respecting a competent patient’s right to make informed decisions; may be exercised through a power of attorney when capacity is lost.

Fidelity

Keeping promises and commitments made to patients, thereby preserving trust in the nurse-patient relationship.

Veracity

The duty to tell the truth: avoid false hope, provide accurate information, and ensure honest documentation.

Low-Flow Oxygen Therapy in COPD

Administering minimal oxygen to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to prevent respiratory drive suppression, exemplifying nonmaleficence.

Vulnerable Populations

Groups such as infants, anesthetized clients, and patients with dementia who lack full decision-making capacity and need extra protection.

Power of Attorney

A legal document allowing a designated person (e.g., a son) to make healthcare decisions when the patient lacks autonomy.

Equal Priority Principle

The mandate to allocate time, resources, and care attention evenly among patients, reflecting the principle of justice.

False Documentation

Recording inaccurate or misleading information in patient records, violating veracity and fidelity ethical standards.