Applying Ethical Principles
Capella University
Nurse FPX 4000 Developing a Healthcare Prospective
1
Applying Ethical Principles
Professionals in healthcare are frequently presented with ethical dilemmas in their daily
work that compel them to assess and apply the principles of healthcare ethics. Maintaining ethics
in healthcare is a monumental task and is essential in every aspect of care. The four main
concepts of beneficence, nonmaleficence, "do no harm," social justice, and autonomy usually
encompass the essential ethics in healthcare (Heston et al., 2023). Patients are entitled to
autonomy or the moral right to choose their medical treatment. When patients receive less than
ideal care because of their gender, color, religion, or other demographic characteristics, social
injustice arises (Heston et al., 2023). This paper will discuss these four guiding concepts that
help healthcare professionals maintain and exemplify care in society and how healthcare
professionals can make a more significant impact on our patients' lives by upholding them.
Overview of Case Study
In the case study 'Medical Treatment Against Cultural Beliefs', Mr. John Blackrock is a
, 50-year-old male whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in Native American Traditions, which is the
way of his ancestors; that seem to encompass all aspects of his life. He was diagnosed with lung
cancer in an early stage and while his Oncologist, Emily Stone; recommends a combination of
surgery and chemotherapy for treatment as she thinks this will give John the best chance of
surviving his cancer. After hearing Dr. Stone's recommendations, John declined these treatments
and wished to take an approach, more aligned with his cultural beliefs. Dr. Stone fears that if he
forgoes her recommended treatment, that his prognosis is poor. Dr. Stone acknowledged John's
autonomy and that the choice is his to make, but she also cares about beneficence and wants the
best for her patient and any subsequent patients (Capella University, n.d.).
Analysis of Ethical Issues in the Case Study
Capella University
Nurse FPX 4000 Developing a Healthcare Prospective
1
Applying Ethical Principles
Professionals in healthcare are frequently presented with ethical dilemmas in their daily
work that compel them to assess and apply the principles of healthcare ethics. Maintaining ethics
in healthcare is a monumental task and is essential in every aspect of care. The four main
concepts of beneficence, nonmaleficence, "do no harm," social justice, and autonomy usually
encompass the essential ethics in healthcare (Heston et al., 2023). Patients are entitled to
autonomy or the moral right to choose their medical treatment. When patients receive less than
ideal care because of their gender, color, religion, or other demographic characteristics, social
injustice arises (Heston et al., 2023). This paper will discuss these four guiding concepts that
help healthcare professionals maintain and exemplify care in society and how healthcare
professionals can make a more significant impact on our patients' lives by upholding them.
Overview of Case Study
In the case study 'Medical Treatment Against Cultural Beliefs', Mr. John Blackrock is a
, 50-year-old male whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in Native American Traditions, which is the
way of his ancestors; that seem to encompass all aspects of his life. He was diagnosed with lung
cancer in an early stage and while his Oncologist, Emily Stone; recommends a combination of
surgery and chemotherapy for treatment as she thinks this will give John the best chance of
surviving his cancer. After hearing Dr. Stone's recommendations, John declined these treatments
and wished to take an approach, more aligned with his cultural beliefs. Dr. Stone fears that if he
forgoes her recommended treatment, that his prognosis is poor. Dr. Stone acknowledged John's
autonomy and that the choice is his to make, but she also cares about beneficence and wants the
best for her patient and any subsequent patients (Capella University, n.d.).
Analysis of Ethical Issues in the Case Study
