Question 1

Think about the ethical theories and approaches in this section and the moral conflicts you have experienced in the past. Have you used one of these approaches to resolve a conflict? Which theory or approach have you used?

Accepted Answer

In the past, I have experienced moral conflicts that have required me to consider different ethical theories and approaches in order to resolve them. One particular conflict that stands out to me is a situation where I had to decide whether to report a coworker for unethical behavior. I found myself torn between the duty to uphold professional standards and the loyalty I felt towards my colleague.

In this situation, I found myself leaning towards a deontological approach, specifically Kantian ethics, which emphasizes the importance of following moral duties and principles. I felt a sense of duty to report the unethical behavior, as it was in line with my professional responsibilities and the ethical standards of the organization. However, I also considered the potential consequences of my actions and the impact it would have on my relationship with my coworker.

Ultimately, I decided to approach the situation from a virtue ethics perspective, considering the character traits and virtues that I wanted to embody. I realized that by reporting the unethical behavior, I was demonstrating integrity and a commitment to upholding ethical standards, which aligned with my personal values.

Reflecting on this experience, I can see how I used a combination of ethical theories and approaches to navigate the moral conflict. I considered the principles of deontological ethics, the consequences of my actions, and the virtues I wanted to embody in making my decision. This experience has taught me the importance of considering different ethical perspectives and approaches when faced with moral conflicts.

Question 2

Has there ever been a time when you have experienced the dilemma of having to make a choice that you know will affect the well-being of another individual? Have you ever experienced moral suffering?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there have been times when I have experienced the dilemma of having to make a choice that I knew would affect the well-being of another individual. It's never an easy situation to be in, and it often leads to moral suffering. One specific instance that comes to mind is when I had to decide whether to report a coworker for unethical behavior. I knew that by reporting them, it could potentially harm their career and reputation, but I also knew that not reporting them could harm the company and potentially put others at risk. It was a difficult decision to make, and I definitely experienced moral suffering as I grappled with the consequences of my choice. Ultimately, I chose to report the behavior, but it was a decision that weighed heavily on me for a long time. It's never easy to make choices that affect others, especially when it involves moral implications.

Question 3

New nurses have not necessarily developed their own professional boundaries when they begin practice. They may violate a boundary without even knowing they crossed it (Maes, 2003).
What signs might alert you to a potential professional boundary violation or crossing?

Accepted Answer

There are several signs that might alert you to a potential professional boundary violation or crossing by a new nurse. These signs include:

1. Overstepping personal boundaries: If a new nurse is overly familiar with patients or colleagues, shares personal information inappropriately, or becomes too emotionally involved with patients, it could be a sign of a boundary violation.

2. Lack of respect for privacy: If a new nurse fails to maintain patient confidentiality, shares sensitive information with unauthorized individuals, or accesses patient records without a legitimate reason, it could indicate a boundary crossing.

3. Dual relationships: If a new nurse engages in dual relationships with patients, such as socializing outside of work or accepting gifts, it could be a sign of blurred professional boundaries.

4. Poor communication: If a new nurse struggles to maintain professional communication with patients and colleagues, or if they have difficulty setting appropriate limits and saying no to requests that fall outside of their professional role, it could indicate a boundary issue.

5. Boundary testing: If a new nurse consistently pushes the limits of their professional role, seeks special treatment from patients or colleagues, or disregards policies and procedures, it could be a sign of boundary testing or violation.

It's important for experienced nurses and supervisors to be vigilant for these signs and provide guidance and support to new nurses as they navigate the development of their professional boundaries. Education, mentorship, and open communication can help new nurses understand and uphold the ethical and professional standards expected in their practice.

Question 4

Think about the questions posed in this section in relation to the distribution of scarce healthcare resources using Rawls's veil of ignorance. Then answer the same questions taking your own circumstances into account. Do you come up with the same answers to the questions? Explain your rationale.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Think about the questions posed in this...

Question 5

If the nurse knows of a plan for rational suicide, would the nurse be obligated to intervene? If so, what actions could the nurse take at this point? Does a nurse have the right to try to stop a person from committing rational suicide (to act in the best interest of the patient)? Is a nurse supposed to support the person's autonomous decision to commit rational suicide, even when that decision is morally and religiously incompatible with the nurse's perspective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If the nurse knows of a plan...

Question 6

A patient who is scheduled for knee joint replacement in the morning consented to the surgery after the conference with the surgeon who explained the risks and benefits of the procedure. The patient's right to either authorize or refuse the procedure is an example of which of the following principles?

Accepted Answer

The principle of autonomy refers to the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare, including the right to consent to or refuse treatment.

Question 7

Which action demonstrates the concept of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence refers to the principle of not causing harm to others. Administering medication correctly after performing the five rights of medication administration ensures that the patient is not harmed by medication errors, thus demonstrating nonmaleficence.

Question 8

In the analysis of a clinical ethical case, the nurse should judge respect for autonomy by asking which of the following questions?

Accepted Answer

All of these questions are relevant to assessing respect for a patient's autonomy, as they address the patient's mental capacity, treatment preferences, and willingness to cooperate with medical treatment.

Question 9

Which of the following reflects the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in the analysis of a clinical ethics case?

Accepted Answer

This choice considers both the potential benefits (prospects for a return to normal life) and the potential harms (physical, mental, and social deficits) of treatment, aligning with the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.

Question 10

What concept is included in the approach to ethical decision making known as ethical principlism?

Accepted Answer

Justice and autonomy are the two concepts included in the approach to ethical decision making known as ethical principlism.

Question 11

Which behavior reflects the themes in the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (American Nurses Association, 2015)?

Accepted Answer

The Code of Ethics for Nurses emphasizes patient autonomy and informed consent, which is reflected in the nurse ensuring the patient understands the risks of a procedure.

Question 12

Which of the following is a fundamental responsibility of nurses according to the International Council of Nurses?

Accepted Answer

The International Council of Nurses outlines that nurses have a fundamental responsibility in health promotion, illness prevention, health restoration, and alleviation of suffering, making all the options correct.

Question 13

During a disaster, a nurse triages rapidly using scarce resources to provide care to the greatest number of people rather than expending resources on a single critically injured person who is unlikely to survive. This type of care is based on which ethical approach?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism is an ethical approach that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or benefit, often by providing the greatest good for the greatest number of people, which aligns with the nurse's actions in this scenario.

Question 14

A nurse lies to a patient about the side effects of the medication that she administers to the patient because the patient has stated that she does not want to take anything that might cause her to become drowsy. This action is a violation of the deontological approach because of which of the following reasons?

Accepted Answer

The deontological approach, particularly Kantian ethics, emphasizes that actions are morally right if they can be universalized. Lying cannot be universalized as a moral law, thus making the nurse's action wrong according to deontological ethics.

Question 15

Which question reflects the principles of loyalty and fairness in the analysis of a clinical ethics case?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which question reflects the principles of loyalty...

Question 16

A nurse caring for a patient who is terminally ill and has intractable pain administered pain medication to the patient, a high dose but within the ordered parameters. The patient expired a short time after the medication administration. Which option identifies this situation?

Accepted Answer

The rule of double effect applies here, where the intention is to relieve pain, not to hasten death, even if death is a foreseeable consequence.

Question 17

A patient is no longer able to make competent decisions. The daughter of the patient talked with the physician about treatment options and chose a treatment based on what the patient had verbalized to the daughter while she was still competent. This type of surrogate decision making is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient is no longer able to...

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of potential boundary violations in the nurse-patient relationship?

Accepted Answer

All of these options can be potential boundary violations in the nurse-patient relationship, as they can compromise professional integrity and the therapeutic nature of the relationship.

Question 19

Which of the following options is included as guidelines by the Oregon Nurses Association that relate to the Death with Dignity Act?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following options is included...

Question 20

The nurse recognizes that patients at the point of care have no option but to rely on nurses. Which of the following best reflects this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Unavoidable trust reflects the phenomenon where patients must rely on nurses for care and support, as they have no other option at the point of care.

Quiz 14: Ethics in Professional Nursing Practice