Nursing Ethics and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential ethical principles, legal responsibilities, pediatric and geriatric ethics, workplace conduct, and the application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in nursing practice.

Ethics

The study of right and wrong that helps people decide what they should do based on moral values and professional standards.

Integrity in Action

Doing the right thing for your patient even when no one is watching.

ANA Code of Ethics

The non-negotiable ethical standard for professional nursing practice focused on protecting human dignity, rights, and holistic well-being.

Autonomy

Respecting a patient's right to self-determination and independent decision-making, such as supporting informed consent or the right to refuse treatment.

Beneficence

The duty to do good, promote client welfare, and take positive action.

Non-Maleficence

The obligation to "do no harm" and minimize risks or injury to the patient.

Justice

The fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources without bias.

Fidelity

Loyalty, keeping promises, and fulfilling professional commitments.

Veracity

The obligation to tell the truth and avoid deception or misleading information.

Bioethics

A special area of healthcare that examines the moral and human side of medical choices, treatments, and new medical technology.

Compassion Fatigue

The ultimate result of cumulative, unresolved professional stress over time, often caused by sharing the pain and trauma of patients.

Unethical Conduct

Acting in ways that break professional rules, moral duties, or the law in a healthcare setting.

Whistleblowing

The act of reporting illegal, unethical, or unsafe practices outside the immediate chain of command when internal measures fail.

Negligence

Occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver the standard level of care that any reasonable, prudent nurse would provide in a similar situation, resulting in unintentional harm.

Malpractice

A specific type of professional negligence where a licensed professional fails to follow professional standards or scope of practice, directly causing harm or injury to a patient.

Duty of Care

The first element of liability; the legal obligation of a nurse to provide care to the patient.

Breach of Duty

The second element of liability; occurring when the nurse fails to meet the accepted standard of care through a mistake or omission.

Causation

The third element of liability; the requirement to prove the nurse’s specific breach of duty was the direct cause of the patient’s injury.

Damages (Harm)

The fourth element of liability; proof that the patient suffered actual physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of a breach of duty.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; a federal law creating national standards to protect sensitive Patient Health Information (PHI).

Informed Consent

The legal standard involving an explanation of a procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to refuse.

Implied Consent

Implicit consent used in emergencies when life-saving treatment is required for an incapacitated patient and there is no known refusal or legal surrogate present.

Assent

Agreement given by a minor or a person with cognitive limitations who is not legally old enough or capable of giving formal, legal informed consent.

Best Interest of the Child Standard

A legal principle prioritizing a child’s safety over parental wishes if a parent’s decision exposes the child to imminent risk of death or permanent harm.

Parens Patriae

The legal principle of the state's protective role used to prioritize a child's safety over parent preferences in life-threatening situations.

Paternalism

When healthcare workers or family override or make decisions for an older adult "for their own good," risking the loss of the individual's dignity or independence.

Lateral (Horizontal) Violence

Peer-to-peer bullying, incivility, or hostile behavior between healthcare workers at the same level.

Professional Accountability

Owning actions, decisions, and mistakes, including admitting errors immediately and following standards of practice.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A framework for nursing prioritization where lower-level basic needs must generally be satisfied before higher-level needs emerge.

Physiological Needs (Tier 1)

The highest priority category including basic biological requirements such as airway, breathing, circulation, oxygen, water, food, and pain relief.

ABC Method

Airway, Breathing, and Circulation; representing the highest priority physiological needs.

Safety & Security Needs (Tier 2)

Protection from physical harm and environmental hazards, such as fall prevention, infection control, and medication safety.

Love & Belonging Needs (Tier 3)

The emotional need for social relationships, connection, family involvement, and community.

Esteem Needs (Tier 4)

The need for self-respect, confidence, dignity, and recognition, which can be eroded by loss of independence due to illness.

Self-Actualization Needs (Tier 5)

The peak of the hierarchy; reaching one's full potential, finding personal fulfillment, and living a meaningful life on one's own terms.