Chapter 13

Ethical Considerations in the

Health Care Environment

Key Terms • Ethics

– Study of morals and moral choices

• Moral behavior– Action emanating from conscience rather than actual evidence

• Belief– Opinion accepted as true or real

Code of Ethics for Nurses

• Rules or standards of conduct of members of the nursing profession

Nursing: A Social Policy Statement

• Expresses the value of the social contract between society and profession of nursing

Moral Theories• Teleological • Utilitarianism • Deontological

Principled Theories

• Autonomy• Nonmaleficence • Beneficence • Justice

Resolving Ethical Dilemmas• Clearly summarize the complete and

relevant parts of the case • Identify and seek missing information

• Identify moral components• State dilemma correctly• Identify course of action

End of Life Decisions• Right-to-Die Legislation

– Decisions• Who can make them?

– Competence versus incompetence? – Advance directives?