HESI Module 5 Study Guide

Module 5: Management of Care Lesson 21: Ethical and Legal Issues Ethics  Description o Ethics is the branch of philosophy that concerns the distinction made between right and wrong on the basis of a body of knowledge, not just on the basis of opinions.  Ethical Principles o These principles are a code that directs or governs nursing actions.  Values o Beliefs and attitudes that may influence behavior and the process of decision-making  Values Clarification o Process of analyzing one’s own values to understand more completely regarding what is truly important  Ethical Codes o Broad principles for determining and evaluating client care o Not legally binding, but in most states the board of nursing has the authority to reprimand nurses for unprofessional conduct that results from violation of the ethical codes  Specific Ethical Codes o Code of Ethics for Nurses, developed by the International Council of Nurses o American Nurses Association Code of Ethics  Ethical Dilemma o An ethical dilemma occurs when a conflict arises between two or more ethical principles. For example, if a client refuses a treatment, such as an irrigation of an infected wound, not performing the treatment goes against the principle of beneficience and persuading the client to allow the treatment ignores the client’s autonomy. o The nurse must recognize ethical dilemmas and take appropriate action by practicing in a manner consistent with a code of ethics. o There is no correct decision, so the nurse uses ethical reasoning to make a choice between two alternatives that are equally unsatisfactory. o The nurse should gather all information, verbalize the problem, examine his or her own values, consider