Introduction to Ethics in Nursing

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the ethics of nursing practice, including laws, ethical principles, and responsibilities in nursing.

What are the four main ways the law works to maintain nursing standards?

(1) Criminal law for deliberate harm, (2) Nurses Act for de-registration for misconduct, (3) Employers may discipline under contracts, (4) Negligence law allows patients to sue for carelessness.

What is the process of licensure in nursing?

Licensure is the process by which a government agency grants permission to an individual to engage in nursing, ensuring competency for public health, safety, and welfare.

What is the function of the Nursing Board Malaysia?

To regulate nursing practice, improve standards of education and conduct, provide policy advice, and maintain a register of trained nurses.

What is the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor in nursing?

An employee works under an employer's control and can make the employer liable for negligent acts, while an independent contractor is not controlled and is solely liable for their acts.

What are the three elements required to establish negligence in nursing?

(1) The nurse must owe the patient a duty of care, (2) There must be a breach in the care, (3) The patient must suffer some kind of loss.

What is the difference between assault and battery in the context of nursing law?

Assault involves threatening physical force without consent, while battery involves unwanted physical contact.

What are the five major ethical principles in nursing?

(1) Autonomy, (2) Beneficence, (3) Non-maleficence, (4) Veracity, (5) Justice.

What constitutes an ethical dilemma in nursing?

An ethical dilemma arises when a choice must be made between two equally desirable or undesirable alternatives.

What does the principle of justice entail in nursing ethics?

Justice requires fair treatment for all individuals, ensuring that patients with the same diagnosis receive equal care regardless of personal characteristics.

What is the importance of informed consent in nursing practice?

Informed consent reflects the principle of autonomy, requiring that patients understand their medical status, treatment options, risks, and benefits before making decisions.