Nursing Ethics and Professional Practice

Flashcards covering core principles of nursing ethics, moral obligations, ethical theories, decision-making steps, professional standards, and workplace ethical dilemmas.

How are morals defined within nursing ethics context?

Unconscious rules and behaviors based on societal norms.

What does the core belief of integrity require of a professional nurse?

Being honest and trustworthy, consistently doing what is right, ensuring words match actions, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

How should a nurse prioritize client care when facing individuals with differing moral backgrounds or past actions?

Care must be non-discriminatory and prioritized strictly based on physical need and severity of symptoms (such as pain level), rather than personal character or past behaviors.

What obligation does a nurse have regarding patient abandonment?

A nurse has a moral obligation not to abandon a client, even if the client becomes disagreeable, hostile, or verbally abusive.

What justification allows a nurse to perform life-saving CPR despite causing broken ribs?

The benefit of saving the patient's life outweighs the acceptable risk of causing rib fractures.

How is Utilitarianism defined as an ethical theory?

An ethical approach where decisions are made to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

How does Deontological ethics evaluate the rightness or wrongness of an action?

It evaluates an action based on the inherent rightness or wrongness of the act itself, rather than the consequences of the act.

What core question guides decision-making under Virtue Ethics?

What would a compassionate, fair, honest, and good nurse do in this situation?

What is Principalism in nursing ethics?

An ethical approach that uses rules while integrating multiple ethical principles and respecting staff autonomy and responsibilities.

What does the ethical principle of Autonomy dictate in nursing?

Respecting the client's right to self-determination and decision-making regarding their own body and medical treatments regardless of provider preferences.

What is the ethical principle of Beneficence?

The obligation to take positive actions to protect, defend, promote health, prevent harm, and remove harmful conditions from clients.

How is Nonmaleficence defined in nursing practice?

The moral obligation to do no harm or injury to patients by adhering to professional standards of care, policies, and procedures.

What is paternalism in patient care?

Making decisions for a patient or withholding information under the belief that the provider knows best, thereby overriding patient autonomy.

What does the ethical principle of Justice mandate?

Providing equal, fair, and equitable care to all individuals without bias regarding personal characteristics, religion, or ability to pay.

What does the ethical principle of Fidelity involve?

Being faithful, loyal, keeping promises, remaining truthful, and advocating for client wishes.

How is Veracity defined in nursing practice?

The duty to tell the truth completely, accurately, and without withholding information.

What is the key difference between privacy and confidentiality?

Privacy is the client's right to control who accesses their personal information, while confidentiality is the healthcare provider's obligation to protect disclosed information from unauthorized disclosure.

What organization acts as a collective voice for nursing legislation in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA).

What are the four steps in the ethical decision-making process?

1. Identify the problem and gather relevant facts. 2. Consider all views and perspectives. 3. Identify solutions/options and justify rationales. 4. Implement the decision.

What are the main responsibilities of a healthcare facility's Ethics Committee?

Providing case consultations, reviewing policies and procedures, and educating healthcare workers on resolving ethical issues.

What is conscientious objection in nursing?

A nurse's right to refuse participation in a procedure that violates their moral integrity, provided it is communicated in advance and does not cause patient abandonment.

What is lateral violence in the nursing work environment?

Disruptive, aggressive, or hostile behavior directed from one coworker toward another coworker at the same organizational level.

What action must a nurse take if they suspect a colleague or student is working while impaired?

Report the observation immediately to a supervisor to ensure patient safety and allow proper administrative protocol.