NR 222 Week 2 Key Ethical Principles of Nursing
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Chamberlain University
NR-222 Health & Wellness
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NR222 Week 2 Activity: Key Ethical Principles of Nursing
Nursing ethics encompasses a framework of moral principles and professional standards that guide nurses in providing care. These ethical principles are essential in maintaining trust, promoting patient well-being, and ensuring fair and compassionate treatment. Each principle plays a critical role in clinical decision-making and patient interactions. Below are the primary ethical principles in nursing, rephrased with examples and valuable content to enhance understanding.
What is the ethical principle of non-maleficence?
Non-maleficence refers to the obligation of nurses to avoid causing harm to patients. This principle is rooted in the commitment to “do no harm” and demands that nurses maintain competence within their scope of practice, report suspected abuse or negligence, and refrain from actions that may injure patients physically, emotionally, or psychologically.
Example:
If a nurse observes a colleague who appears impaired due to substance use or notices that a healthcare provider is acting incompetently, it is the nurse’s ethical duty to report the incident to protect the patient from potential harm.
What does the ethical principle of beneficence mean?
Beneficence requires nurses to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting health, preventing harm, and advocating for the patient’s well-being. Nurses must intervene when patients lack clarity or confidence in their medical interactions.
Example:
A patient may feel uncomfortable questioning a physician after a complex explanation of a procedure. In this case, the nurse should step in as an advocate to clarify the procedure, ensuring the patient is fully informed and comfortable with the care plan.
What is the ethical principle of autonomy, and what does the Patient Self-Determination Act involve?
Autonomy involves respecting a patient’s right to make informed decisions about their care. This includes supporting the patient’s independence, self-determination, and choices, even when they differ from medical recommendations.
Patient Self-Determination Act (1990):
This federal legislation ensures that patients are informed about their rights to make decisions regarding their medical treatment, including the use of advance directives and durable power of attorney for healthcare.
Example:
The nurse facilitates discussions about advance directives with patients, ensuring their healthcare preferences are respected and followed in future medical situations.
How is the ethical principle of justice applied in nursing?
Justice emphasizes fairness, equity, and impartiality in the delivery of care. It requires that nurses provide equal treatment and distribute resources without discrimination based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors.
Example:
If an organization offers free cleft palate surgeries to five children in a low-income community, ethical dilemmas may arise when determining which children should receive the surgeries. The nurse must ensure that the selection process is based on medical need and fairness rather than bias.
What does the principle of fidelity mean in nursing practice?
Fidelity is the commitment to being loyal, honest, and faithful to patients. It involves maintaining trust by keeping promises, respecting confidentiality, and practicing transparency in patient relationships.
Example:
A patient receives a terminal diagnosis and asks the nurse not to share this information with their spouse. The nurse must honor the patient’s wishes while ensuring ethical communication and care.
What is paternalism, and when might it be ethically applied?
Paternalism occurs when a nurse or healthcare provider makes decisions on behalf of the patient, often in an effort to protect them from harm. While this may conflict with autonomy, it is sometimes necessary when patients are unable to make informed decisions.
Example:
A patient informs their physician that they would consider ending their life if diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In this case, healthcare providers might withhold certain diagnostic information temporarily until the patient receives appropriate psychological support. Similarly, when a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, providers must weigh whether the benefits of treatment justify its side effects and emotional toll.
What is the principle of totality and integrity in nursing care?
This principle requires healthcare professionals to consider the whole person—including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs—when designing a care plan. Treatment should not focus solely on one condition or symptom but rather address the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Example:
Before initiating a surgical or therapeutic intervention, the nurse collaborates with other professionals to ensure the plan aligns with the patient’s values, social support system, and psychological state.
Summary Table of Ethical Principles in Nursing
| Ethical Principle | Definition | Nursing Example |
|---|---|---|
| Non-maleficence | Do no harm; prevent patient injury | Reporting impaired or incompetent colleagues |
| Beneficence | Promote good; act in the patient’s best interest | Advocating when the patient doesn’t understand the provider’s explanation |
| Autonomy | Respect for the patient’s right to self-determination | Discussing advance directives and durable power of attorney |
| Justice | Fair and equal treatment of all patients | Ethical selection process for limited free procedures |
| Fidelity | Being faithful, honest, and keeping promises | Honoring a patient’s request to keep a diagnosis confidential |
| Paternalism | Acting in the patient’s best interest when they are at risk or impaired | Delaying disclosure of Alzheimer’s diagnosis to ensure patient safety |
| Totality and Integrity | Holistic consideration of the patient’s needs | Designing care plans that address emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, not just physical |
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/