Ethics, Informed Consent, and Professional Values (Nursing) — Review Flashcards

Flashcards cover informed consent, Tuskegee and Nuremberg medical ethics, core nursing values (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice), cultural competence, patient autonomy, privacy, ethics in labor and delivery, and neonatal viability.

Why is informed consent important in invasive procedures?

To ensure the patient understands and voluntarily agrees to the procedure, clarify risks, alternatives, and recovery expectations, and protect patient autonomy and provider liability.

What is the Tuskegee syphilis study (1932–1947)?

A study where 600 Black men, 399 with syphilis, were followed without treatment to observe disease progression, revealing serious ethical violations.

How did the Tuskegee study influence medical ethics?

Contributed to the establishment of formal informed consent, respect for patient autonomy, and research ethics guidelines.

What role did penicillin play in the Tuskegee study?

Penicillin discovered in 1943 as an effective cure, but was withheld from participants until the study ended in 1947, despite availability.

What are the Nuremberg Trials?

Trials of Nazi physicians after World War II; established the importance of voluntary informed consent and the basis for the Nuremberg Code.

List the five professional nursing values mentioned.

Altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice.

What is altruism in nursing?

Acting for the good of others without expecting anything in return, including culturally competent care and sometimes risking for patients and colleagues when appropriate.

What is autonomy in patient care?

The patient’s right to make their own health decisions, provided with information and freedom from coercion.

What is human dignity in clinical care?

Respect for privacy and confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and treating patients with respect and protecting their rights.

What does integrity mean for nurses?

Acting according to ethical codes, being honest, fulfilling commitments, and addressing errors through reporting and remediation.

What is social justice in healthcare?

Ensuring equal access to quality care for all, addressing social determinants of health, and promoting health equity (not just equality).

What is ethics in healthcare?

Systematic study of right and wrong to guide decisions; often involves ethics boards and case-by-case deliberation.

What ethical issues arise in labor and delivery related to abortion?

Cases where termination may be considered for non-viable or life-limiting anomalies; involves balancing patient rights, provider beliefs, and medical indications; not a political discussion here.

How should cultural preferences be handled in care (e.g., provider gender)?

Respect patient preferences; attempt to accommodate within practical limits; plan continuity of care with available staff; communicate to align with patient wishes.

What is the significance of viability around 23 weeks?

Approximately 23 weeks is a threshold of viability; infants born near this age may survive with intensive care but face significant lifelong medical challenges.

What are key components to discuss during preoperative consent?

Expected recovery, specific preoperative steps, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the patient’s right to refuse or withdraw consent.