Grand Canyon University
NUR 502 Week 7 Discussion Question 1
The influence of consequential ethics as an ethical framework (the greatest good for the greatest
number) opposes the ethical principle of deontology (i.e., the rightness of an act itself determines
what is right). Both of these impact the nursing profession. Modern social exchange theories are
based on the principle of utility. Read the assumptions of social exchange theory and consider
how these would affect the nurse-patient relationship, compared to how these impact the nurse
within the health care environment. To what extent are all theories ethical? Is social exchange
theory compatible with the values of the nursing profession?