Ethics, Law, and Leadership in Nursing (Vocabulary flashcards)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms in ethics, law, and leadership in nursing to prepare for exams.

Ethics

Moral principles that guide a nurse’s conduct and daily decision-making about right and wrong.

Autonomy

The patient’s right to make their own informed health decisions.

Beneficence

The obligation to actively promote the patient’s well-being.

Nonmaleficence

The obligation to do no harm to the patient.

Veracity

Truth-telling; honesty in communicating with patients and colleagues.

Fidelity

Keeping promises; faithfulness to commitments and duties.

Justice

Fair and equitable distribution of health resources and care.

Confidentiality

Protecting patient privacy and keeping health information private (HIPAA).

Informed consent

A valid agreement to treatment given by a competent patient after explanation; nurses witness, doctors obtain.

Advanced directive

A legal document listing a patient’s end-of-life preferences, including living wills and medical powers of attorney.

Living will

A document specifying desired medical treatments if the patient becomes unable to decide.

Medical power of attorney (POA)

A designated person who makes medical decisions when the patient cannot.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

Directive to withhold CPR; does not necessarily stop all medical treatment and may have specifics.

Ethics committee

A hospital group that reviews and guides difficult ethical questions and patient care issues.

ANA Code of Ethics

Principles outlining nursing obligations to patients and the profession.

Slander

Spoken false statements that harm someone’s reputation.

Libel

Written false statements that harm someone’s reputation.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; protects patient privacy and governs sharing of health information.

Mandated reporter

A professional required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Negligence

Failure to provide reasonable and prudent care, causing harm (unintentional tort).

Malpractice

Professional negligence in the practice of nursing or medicine.

Duty, breach, causation, injury

Four elements needed to prove liability in a tort claim.

Duty to report

Legal obligation to report abuse or unsafe conditions; often mandated reporters.

Informed consent (process roles)

Doctor explains; patient consents; nurse witnesses; provider ultimately answers questions.

Scope of practice

Procedures and actions a nurse is legally allowed to perform as defined by the state Nurse Practice Act.

Nurse Practice Act

State laws defining nursing scope, responsibilities, and licensure; varies by state.

Accountability

Accepting responsibility for one’s actions and their outcomes.

Responsibility

Obligation to perform duties reliably and competently.

Delegation

Assigning tasks to others (often unlicensed staff) and ensuring they are completed safely.

Professional identity

One’s sense of self as a nurse, shaped by nursing values and practice.

Professional behaviors

Standards of conduct aligning with nursing ethics and practice expectations.

Conflict resolution

Process to resolve disputes and minimize negative impacts on care and teamwork.

Leadership

Process of guiding a group toward shared goals; involves leader, followers, and the situation.

Autocratic leadership

Leader makes all decisions, using pressure; effective in crises but limited in nurses’ settings.

Democratic leadership

Leader includes followers in decision-making and supports staff achievements.

Laissez-faire leadership

Leader provides freedom with minimal direction for followers.

Transactional leadership

Focus on daily operations; outcomes tied to rewards or punishments.

Transformational leadership

Inspires change and growth, challenging followers to reach higher potential.

Situational leadership

Flexible approach that adapts leadership style to the situation.

Burnout

Chronic physical and mental exhaustion from sustained stress, common with staffing shortages.

Advocacy

Acting on behalf of patients’ rights and best interests.

Causation

Link between breach of duty and resulting injury.

Defensive safety practices (bed/rails)

Procedures like keeping bed at lowest position and rails up to prevent falls; part of standard safety.