Ch. 43 Ethical Decision Making This Power Point is an “Interactive Review” of Chapter 43 material

SECTION ONE: ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

Introduction: On each slide you will read/hear an example that should lead you to determine which ethical principle from Ch. 43 is being illustrated.

JUSTICE Nathan has a sexually-transmitted disease and seeks treatment at a neighborhood medical clinic. Nurse Atkins provides top quality care to Nathan regardless of his diagnosis and the nature of his illness. Which ethical principle is Nurse Atkins demonstrating?

VERACITY Nurse Jacobs makes a non-life- threatening error by applying the wrong topical ointment on patient- Mr. Jenkins’ left arm. She discovers her error, documents, reports to Risk management, and, as appropriate, tells Mr. Jenkins. Which ethical principle is Nurse Jacobs demonstrating?

NONMALFEASANCE Nurse Jones knows that his patient--Mr. Smith--could greatly benefit from psychological counseling, but chooses not to seek such treatment. Which ethical principle is Nurse Jones violating?

AUTONOMY The nursing team at St. Anthony’s hospital receives quarterly training that includes information on how to help empower patients to be well informed and proactive in their own healthcare decisions. Which ethical principle is being taught and promoted?

BENEFICENCE Nursing student Ashley notices multiple suspicious bruises on an elderly resident upon admission. She reports this to her preceptor, who then reports it to the proper authorities. Which ethical principle is Ashley demonstrating?

FREEDOM Angel has borderline hyperlipidemia and her doctor has prescribed a statin medication to treat it. Angel has decided not to take the Rx, but to try more natural remedies. The doctor allows this, despite the fact that he disagrees with Angel’s decision. Which ethical principle is Angel’s doctor demonstrating?

FIDELITY Patient Mr. Johnson and Nurse Lu agree that it is okay for Mr. Johnson to apply his own eyedrops while he is in the hospital. Nurse Lu provides Mr. Johnson with his eyedrops when he requests them. Which ethical principle is Nurse Lu demonstrating?

CONFIDENTIALITY/PRIVACY Mrs. O’ Conner is in a room with another patient. Her nurse seems careless about what she says in front of the other patient about her health condition. Which ethical principle is The nurse violating?

SECTION TWO: ETHICAL DILEMMAS

You are a nurse caring for a patient with a serious disease. The doctor has informed the patient that he needs to have surgery. The patient refuses to undergo the procedure. What ethical principles are at issue in this situation? How would you deal with this dilemma?

Ethical principles: Autonomy, Freedom, Beneficence Class discussion: How would you deal with this ethical dilemma?

You are a nurse caring for a resident in a long-term care facility. The resident becomes special to you because she reminds you of your deceased mother. You feel a strong bond with this resident, and she feels a strong bond with you.

The resident informs you that she wants to include you in her will as a beneficiary, to receive some personal property. How would you deal with this ethical dilemma?

Let’s discuss this situation.

According to the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, “ Nurses are advised to seek assistance from peers, supervisors, and others to remove him- or herself from situations that potentially threaten this professional value.”