Biomedical Ethics: Ethical Principles in Medical Indications (quiz 2 prep)

Beneficence

The ethical principle of acting in the patient's best interest and promoting the patient's well-being. Example: A healthcare professional recommends a treatment because it is expected to improve the patient's condition.

Nonmaleficence

The ethical principle of avoiding or minimizing harm to the patient. Example: A physician decides not to provide a treatment when its risks and potential harm outweigh its expected benefit.

Autonomy

The ethical principle that recognizes a patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Example: A competent patient refuses a recommended treatment after the healthcare team explains its risks and benefits.

Justice

The ethical principle that focuses on fairness and equitable treatment in healthcare. Example: Two patients with similar medical needs should have fair and equal access to appropriate treatment.

Non-beneficial treatment

Treatment that is unlikely to achieve a meaningful medical benefit for the patient. Example: Continuing an intervention that cannot improve the patient's condition or achieve its intended medical goal may be considered non-beneficial treatment.

Futile treatment

Treatment that is unlikely to provide a meaningful medical benefit or achieve its intended clinical goal. Example: A treatment that cannot achieve its intended physiological or clinical outcome may be considered futile.

Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR/DNR)

An order indicating that CPR should not be performed if a patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. Example: A patient with a DNR order experiences cardiac arrest, so the healthcare team does not initiate CPR.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Emergency treatment used when a patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest to attempt to restore circulation and breathing. Example: A patient suddenly has no pulse, and the healthcare team begins chest compressions and other resuscitation measures.

DNR and other medical treatment

A DNR order specifically addresses CPR and does not mean that the patient receives no other medical treatment or care. Example: A patient with a DNR may still receive medications, diagnostic testing, pain management, and other appropriate treatments.

CPR decision-making

Decisions about CPR should involve the patient and healthcare team whenever possible and should consider the patient's wishes, medical condition, and goals of care. Example: A healthcare team discusses CPR with a competent patient and explains the likely benefits and burdens before a decision is made.

Determination of death

The clinical determination that a person has died using accepted neurologic or circulatory-respiratory criteria. Example: Death may be determined using established criteria involving the permanent loss of circulatory and respiratory functions or brain functions.

Medical indications

The clinical facts and medical considerations used to evaluate a patient's condition, prognosis, and potential benefits and burdens of treatment. Example: A healthcare team considers a patient's diagnosis, prognosis, and likelihood of benefiting from treatment when making a recommendation.

Ethical conflict

A situation in which ethical principles, values, or interests may conflict and require careful decision-making. Example: A physician believes treatment would benefit a patient, but the competent patient refuses the treatment, creating a conflict between beneficence and autonomy.

Beneficence and nonmaleficence

These principles require healthcare professionals to consider both the potential benefits of treatment and the potential harms or burdens. Example: Before recommending a treatment, a physician weighs whether it is likely to help the patient against the possibility that it could cause significant harm.

Autonomy and medical treatment

Respecting autonomy means recognizing a competent patient's right to make informed decisions about accepting or refusing medical treatment. Example: A patient understands the risks and benefits of dialysis but chooses to refuse it; the healthcare team should respect the informed decision.

Justice in healthcare

Justice requires healthcare professionals to consider fairness and equitable treatment when making healthcare decisions. Example: A patient should not receive different treatment solely because of personal characteristics unrelated to their medical needs.

Non-beneficial treatment and ethical principles

Decisions about non-beneficial treatment may require balancing beneficence and nonmaleficence with respect for patient autonomy. Example: A healthcare team may believe a treatment will not provide meaningful benefit, while a patient or family member requests that the treatment continue.

Patient goals of care

The patient's values, preferences, and desired outcomes that should be considered when making decisions about medical treatment. Example: A patient may prioritize comfort and quality of life rather than treatments intended primarily to prolong life.

Medical decision-making

Treatment recommendations should consider medical evidence, ethical principles, and the patient's goals of care. Example: A healthcare team considers the patient's prognosis, potential benefits and harms of treatment, ethical principles, and the patient's wishes before recommending a treatment plan.