Chapter 2 Ethics and Standards of
Practice Issues Davis Advantage for
Maternal Newborn Nursing Critical
Components of Nursing Care 4th
Edition
AWHONN - Correct Answer: Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal
Nurses
ANA Code of Ethics - Correct Answer: Ethical Standards of the Profession; Reflects our
own ethics and morals; Tells us what our obligations and duties are as a Nurse.
Ethical Principle: Beneficence - Correct Answer: The obligation to do good. (Applies to
both the woman and the fetus)
Example: Educating your patient about interventions and behaviors that benefit both her
and her fetus
Ethical Principle: Nonmaleficence - Correct Answer: The obligation to do no harm to
either the woman or the fetus
Example: Helping a mother understand the potential consequences of drug abuse or
alcohol ingestion during pregnancy
Ethical Principle: Fidelity - Correct Answer: Being accountable for your responsibilities
and loyal to your commitments
Example: Ensuring your patient has appropriate care from your relief nurse before going
off shift.
Ethical Principle: Veracity - Correct Answer: Being truthful
Example: This can mean being honest with your patient about risks and benefits of a
cesarean or admitting that you need assistance to give appropriate care
Ethical Principle: Autonomy - Correct Answer: The right to self-determination
Example: Applies only to the pregnant woman, as the fetus is not able to conceive or
express preferences
Practice Issues Davis Advantage for
Maternal Newborn Nursing Critical
Components of Nursing Care 4th
Edition
AWHONN - Correct Answer: Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal
Nurses
ANA Code of Ethics - Correct Answer: Ethical Standards of the Profession; Reflects our
own ethics and morals; Tells us what our obligations and duties are as a Nurse.
Ethical Principle: Beneficence - Correct Answer: The obligation to do good. (Applies to
both the woman and the fetus)
Example: Educating your patient about interventions and behaviors that benefit both her
and her fetus
Ethical Principle: Nonmaleficence - Correct Answer: The obligation to do no harm to
either the woman or the fetus
Example: Helping a mother understand the potential consequences of drug abuse or
alcohol ingestion during pregnancy
Ethical Principle: Fidelity - Correct Answer: Being accountable for your responsibilities
and loyal to your commitments
Example: Ensuring your patient has appropriate care from your relief nurse before going
off shift.
Ethical Principle: Veracity - Correct Answer: Being truthful
Example: This can mean being honest with your patient about risks and benefits of a
cesarean or admitting that you need assistance to give appropriate care
Ethical Principle: Autonomy - Correct Answer: The right to self-determination
Example: Applies only to the pregnant woman, as the fetus is not able to conceive or
express preferences
