m&c lec

MATERNAL-FETAL CONFLICT

This is a central issue, as a pregnant woman’s decisions can impact the fetus. Nurses must navigate situations where a mother’s choices (e.g., refusing treatment) may conflict with what is perceived as best for the fetus.

INFORMED CONSENT

Ensuring that both the mother and, when appropriate, the partner, understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of procedures and treatments is crucial.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Maintaining patient confidentiality is vital, but there may be situations where disclosure is ethically required (e.g., reporting suspected child abuse).

CULTURAL CONFLICTS

Cultural beliefs and practices can influence a woman’s decisions and experiences during pregnancy and childbirth, which may conflict with standard medical practices.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Addressing substance abuse during pregnancy raises complex ethical questions about the mother’s autonomy, the fetus’s well-being, and the nurse’s role in providing care and support.

ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Procedures like IVF and surrogacy involve ethical considerations about the beginning of life, parental rights, and the potential for exploitation.

ABORTION

Nurses may face ethical dilemmas when providing care related to abortion, particularly regarding their personal beliefs and the woman’s autonomy.

FETAL SURGERY AND TREATMENT

Intrauterine fetal surgery and other treatments for fetal abnormalities raise ethical questions about the balance between maternal autonomy and the potential benefits for the fetus.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION

In situations with limited resources, decisions about who receives treatment can be ethically challenging, especially when considering the needs of both the mother and the fetus.

VIABILITY AND RESUSCITATION

Ethical considerations arise when dealing with borderline viability and the decision of whether to resuscitate extremely premature infants.

FAMILY-CENTERED CARE

Balancing the needs of the family with ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice is a critical aspect of perinatal nursing.

AUTONOMY

Respecting the pregnant woman’s right to make decisions about her own body and healthcare.

BENEFICENCE

Acting in the best interests of both the mother and the fetus.

NON-MALEFICENCE

Avoiding harm to both the mother and the fetus.

JUSTICE

Ensuring fair and equitable access to care and resources.