Some nurses are debating about the appropriate action to take in relation to a particular family.One member of the family is ill,and the other family members have chosen to continue working rather than take time off to care for the ill family member.One nurse states,"But it doesn't have to be an either/or situation.Perhaps each family member could take a turn calling in sick just 2 or 3 days.That way they could all take a turn at helping and yet not upset their employers.Wouldn't that be fair?" Which of the following ethical approaches is being used by this nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is focusing on ethical principles-in this case,beneficence (do good for the ill family member),nonmaleficence (do no harm,even to the employer),and justice (everyone takes a turn and shares equally).Communitarianism is similar to virtue ethics and looks at the relationship and respoinsibility between the individual and the community.The ethical approach of deontology describes adhering to moral rules or duty rather than to the consequences of the actions.Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory associated with outcomes or consequences in determining which choice to make.

Some Nurses Are Debating About the Appropriate Action to Take