Healthcare Ethics

chapter 5

bioethicists (BYE oh eth I sists)

People who study the ethical effect of biomedical advances (e.g., drugs and genetic engineering).

cessation Bringing to an end.

chromosomes (KROE mah somes)

Rod-shaped structures found in the cell’s nucleus; they contain genetic information.

cryopreservation (KRIE oh pri zur vae shun)

To preserve by freezing at low temperatures.

discipline

  A branch of knowledge, learning, or instruction—for instance, medicine, nursing, social work, and physical therapy.

embryo (EM bree oh)

A developing organism from the moment of conception through the eighth week of development.

ethics (ETH iks)

Rules of conduct that differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

ethics committee

A group composed of members from a variety of disciplines that analyze ethical issues.

evidence-based practice

Healthcare practice that incorporates the most current and valid research results, thus providing the best patient care.

germline cells  

 Sperm and egg cells.

morals (MORE ahls)

Internal principles that distinguish between right and wrong.

oocyte (OO eh site)

An immature ovum (egg).

personal ethics

An individual’s code of conduct.

resident

A physician who has graduated from medical school and is finishing specialized clinical training.

somatic cells (soe MAT ik)

Nonreproductive cells; they do not include sperm and egg cells.

surrogate (SUR ah git)

A person who acts on behalf of another person or takes the place of another person. Examples include a surrogate mother or a healthcare agent.