Chapter 3 - Ethical Issues

Code of Ethics

• Outlines ethical obligations & duties

• Nonnegotioable standard

• Expression of nurses understanding of commitment

Ethical Dilemma

Problem arises when making morally justifiable decisions

Autonomy

Respecting patients decisions

Beneficence

Actions intended to benefit the pt/others

Nonmaleficence

Actions intended NOT to harm or BRING harm

Justice

Being fair in terms of consequences and fair allocation of resources

Veracity

Obligation to tell the truth (verdad)

Fidelity

Moral duty to be faithful to the commitments

Confidentiality

Respecting pts autonomy & pts rights to control their information

Moral Distress

Nurse knows ethically appropriate action but unable to act on it

Elements of Informed Consent

• Competence

• Voluntariness

• Disclosure of Information

What must pts be free of to give consent?

• pain

• depression

Ordinary Care

• nutrition

• hydration

• antibiotic therapy

Extraordinary Care

• CPR

• emergency cardiac care

• renal dialysis

Advanced Directive

States preference about medical treatment

Living Will

Provides direction for specific treatments

Durable Power of Attorney

Patients designate someone to make decision should they become incapacitated

Healthcare Surrogate (Proxy)

Authorized by state to make decisions

Aid in Dying

Allowing lethal dose of oral meds to end pts lives