A nurse is frequently tardy to work causing other nurses to have to change their plans to cover the unit. The nurse never thanks those who cover for her and often criticizes the work they did in her absence. If another nurse is tardy, she refuses to stay over to cover. Which ethical theories is this nurse violating?
A) Fidelity
B) Autonomy
C) Beneficence
D) Veracity
E) Paternalism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: The nurse makes a promise to work when scheduled unless extenuating circumstances are present. Fidelity is the duty to keep promises.
Rationale 2: Nothing in this scenario indicates the nurse is violating the ethical principle of autonomy.
Rationale 3: Beneficence is the basic obligation to assist others. By refusing to work over to cover for a tardy co-worker, even though co-workers often do so for her, this nurse is not working to promote good and is not assuming the obligation to help others.
Rationale 4: Veracity concerns telling the truth. There is nothing in the scenario that indicates the nurse lies about the reasons why she is tardy.
Rationale 5: Paternalism involves completely making the final decisions for others. There is no evidence of paternalism in this scenario.

A Nurse Is Frequently Tardy to Work Causing Other Nurses