Basic Nursing: Foundations of

Skills & Concepts

ETHICAL
RESPONSIBILITIES
Presented by:
Bernie P. Rodelas
Beverly Covita
Ethics

The branch of philosophy concerned with the distinction

of right from wrong on the basis of a body of knowledge
rather than on just opinions.

Ethics looks at human behavior - things people do

under different types of circumstances.
Bioethics

The application of ethical principles of health care.

Why is Ethics an
Increasing Issue for
Health Care?
an increasingly technological society with
complicated issues that never had to be
considered before.

the changing fabric of society, particularly in

terms of family structure.

health-care has become a consumer-driven

system based on clients becoming more
knowledgeable.
Ethical Principles

Codes that direct or govern actions.

Basic Ethical
Principles

Autonomy - The respect for individual liberty

Justice - The equitable distribution of
potential benefits and risks
Fidelity - The duty to do what one has
promised
Non-maleficence - The obligation to do or
cause no harm to another
Beneficence - The duty to do good to others
Veracity - The obligation to tell the truth
Ethical Theories

Teleology - the value of a situation is

determined by its consequences.
Deontology - the intrinsic significance of an
act itself as the criterion for the determination
of good.
Situational Theory - holds that there are no set
rules or norms. Each situation must be
considered individually.
Caring-Based Theory - focuses on emotions,
feelings, and attitudes.
Values

Values are different from principles, in that they

influence the development of beliefs and attitudes,
rather than behaviors. They may, however, indirectly
influence behaviors.
Value System

An individuals collection of inner beliefs that guides the

way the person acts and helps determine the choices
made in life.
Value Clarification

The process of analyzing ones own values to better

understand those things that are truly important in life.
Self-Reflection

Because ethics and values are so closely associated,

nurses must explore their own values in order to
acknowledge the value systems of their clients.
Ethical Codes

Codes are used to help nurses act ethically.

These have been developed by nursing organizations

such as the NFLPN, the ICN and the ANA.
The Patients Bill of
Rights

A document designed to guarantee ethical care of

clients in terms of their decision making about
treatment choices and other aspects of their care.
Ethical Dilemma

A conflict between two or more ethical principles.

In an ethical dilemma, there is no correct decision.
Major Types of Ethical
Dilemma

Euthanasia.

Refusal of Treatment.

Scarcity of Resources.
Euthanasia

Intentional action or lack of action that causes the

merciful death of someone suffering from a terminal
illness or incurable condition.
Refusal of Treatment

Based on the principle of autonomy.

A clients rights to refuse treatment and to die often

challenge the values of most health care providers.
Scarcity of Resources

The allocation of scarce resources (e.g. organs,

specialists) is emerging as a major medical dilemma.
Ethical Decision Making
ASSESSMENT
Determination of claims and parties

ANALYSIS & DIAGNOSIS

Identification of problem: Statement of ethical dilemma

PLANNING
Consideration of priorities of claims
Consideration of consequences of alternatives

IMPLEMENTATION
Carrying out selected moral actions

EVALUATION
Evaluation of outcome of moral actions
"Were the actions ethical?" "What were the consequences?"
Ethics Committees

Many health care agencies now recognize the

need for a systematic manner whereby to
discuss ethical concerns.

Multidisciplinary committees offer dialogue

regarding ethical dilemmas.

Ethics committees can lead to the

establishment of policies and procedures for
the prevention and resolution of dilemmas.
Nurse as Client Advocate

When acting as client advocate, the nurses first step is

to develop a meaningful relationship with the client.

The nurse is then able to make decisions with the client

based on the strength of the relationship.
Nurse as
Whistleblower

Whistleblowing refers to calling attention to

unethical, illegal, or incompetent actions of
others.

Whistleblowing is based on the ethical

principles of veracity and nonmaleficence.

Federal and state laws (to varying degrees)

provide protection, such as privacy, to
whistleblowers.
THANK YOU!!!
1. It is the branch of philosophy concerned with the
distinction of right from wrong on the basis of a body of
knowledge rather than on just opinions.
2. It is the application of ethical principles of health care.
3. It is the Codes that direct or govern actions.
4. It is the duty to do what one has promised
5.It is the equitable distribution of potential benefits and risks
6. it is the duty to do good to others
7.It is the obligation to tell the truth
8. It is the respect for individual liberty
9-12. Give 4 type of basic ethical principle.

10-13.give the different ethical theories.

13-16.Give the different types of ethical theories
17. It is he process of analyzing ones own values
to better understand those things that are truly
important in life.
18-20 major types of ethical delimma.