Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards in Nursing Practice

what are the legal and ethical principles that guide professional nursing practice?

patient rights, confidentiality, and accountability

what is the difference between legal and ethical issues in nursing?

legal issues involve laws such as negligence and malpractice, while ethical issues involve moral principles like informed consent and confidentiality

what are the key responsibilities of nurses in maintaining legal and ethical practice?

safe delegation, accurate documentation, and professional accountability

what is the significance of professional nursing standards?

they ensure safe, quality care and protect both patients and nurses

what are the principles of bioethics that guide nursing practice?

autonomy, justice, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and fidelity

what does ethical conduct in nursing entail?

behaving in a professional, honest, safe, and respectful manner while caring for patients

what is the role of the Nursing Code of Ethics?

to provide standards and expectations for how nurses should perform their duties

what is the conscientious objection in nursing?

refusal to participate in treatments that violate a nurse’s personal and professional ethical beliefs

what are 5 steps in making ethical decisions/nursing process?

1. assess

2. diagnosis

3. plan

4. implement

5. evaluate

what is moral injury in nursing?

a betrayal of what is right by someone in authority or by oneself in a high-stakes situation

what is the Good Samaritan Law?

a law that protects healthcare providers from liability when they assist someone in an emergency

what is the purpose of credentialing in nursing?

to verity a nurse’s qualifications, education, license, certifications, and competency

what constitutes an intentional tort in nursing?

acts of wronging that cause harm to another person which can lead to lawsuits

what is the difference between assault and battery in nursing?

assault is threat of harm w/out physical contact; battery is actual physical contact w/out consent

what is the significance of the Nurse Practice Act?

it controls how nursing is practiced in each state and sets rules and regulations for nurses

what are the ethical principles that guide a nurse’s behavior?

respect, altruism, integrity, autonomy, social justice, and human dignity

what is the role of advocacy in nursing?

to protect and support the rights of patients, including their to refuse treatment

what is the importance of documentation in nursing practice?

it ensures accurate communication and accountability in patient care

what are the potential ethical problems in nursing?

paternalism, deception, privacy issues, and conflicts concerning new technologies

how do nurses learn the standards for professional ethical behavior?

through education and practice in nursing school and ongoing professional developmennt

what is the Bill of Rights for RN?

a document that advocates for nurses’ rights and ensures a safe working environment

what is the definition of law in the context of nursing?

laws and rules created by the gov. that regulate nursing practice

what does ‘tor’ refer to in nursing?

intentional/unintentional acts of wrongdoing that cause harm to another person

what is the purpose of standards of nursing practice?

to provide guidelines for safe, competent nursing care

what is the role of Charge Nurse in ethical dilemmas?

to provide guidance and support to nurses facing ethical challenges in patient care

what is the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?

the obligation to not inflict harm intentionally

what does the ethical principle of beneficence entail?

the duty to promote good and act in the best interest of the patient