Title Midterms Health Care Ethics Notes.pdf ✅

Topic 6: Ethical Decision-Making The ethical decision-making process helps nurses resolve moral dilemmas systematically. Steps: 1. Identify the ethical problem. 2. Gather information (facts, patient preferences, cultural context). 3. Explore alternatives. 4. Evaluate options using ethical principles. 5. Make a decision. 6. Act and communicate. 7. Reflect and review. Common Ethical Dilemmas: - Confidentiality vs. disclosure of harmful information. - Truth-telling vs. protecting hope. - Autonomy vs. beneficence in treatment refusal. Summary Table of Ethical Principles and Applications PRINCIPLE / THEORY DEFINITION NURSING APPLICATION AUTONOMY Respecting the patient’s right to make informed choices. Obtaining informed consent before procedures. BENEFICENCE Acting in ways that promote the well-being of patients. Providing pain relief even if it requires extra effort. NONMALEFICENCE Obligation to avoid causing harm. Double-checking medications to prevent errors. JUSTICE Fair distribution of healthcare resources and treatment. Ensuring equal access to ICU beds based on need, not status. FIDELITY Faithfulness to commitments and promises. Keeping confidentiality and honoring patient agreements. VERACITY Commitment to truth- telling. Explaining side effects of chemotherapy honestly. CONFIDENTIALITY Protecting sensitive patient information. Not disclosing HIV status without consent.