Introduction (week 1)

Question 1

What is ethical theory?

Answer 1

the study of the nature and justification of general ethical principles that can be applied to moral problems

Question 2

Why should nurses study ethics?

Answer 2

nurses may interact with other professionals who do not share the same perspective about or understanding of nursing or healthcare in general, and others may have a different perspective on an ethical issue

Question 3

What is morality?

Answer 3

doing good

Question 4

Why do ethical situations not have clear answers?

Answer 4

because aspects of individuals beliefs, values, personality… can influence a persons judgement on a topic or situation

Question 5

What does the study of ethics provide nurses with?

Answer 5

provides nurses with the knowledge and tools to better manage and contribute to navigating through dilemmas

Question 6

In addition to nurses dealing with ethical issues and challenges, what else impacts their nursing practice?

Answer 6

nurses are in a position to influence ethical decisions regarding policy, the wider context of healthcare and the healthcare system

Question 7

What are examples of everyday ethical issues that nurses face?

Answer 7

how nurses decide to allocate time and nursing care to patents, whose needs are to be met first, and how to show respect to patients, families, each other and members of the inter professional team

Question 8

How is the nursing role different from present compared to the past?

Answer 8

nurses have more autonomy, authority and responsibility today compared to historical times

Question 9

What influences a moral organization

Answer 9

leadership behaviours and values, the strategy, processes, and operations of the organization

Question 10

What is the moral justification of ethics not including how to choose an ethical approach?

Answer 10

to justify and defend their positions to others

Question 11

What does the study of ethics provide?

Answer 11

enables us to recognize and evaluate the variables that influence our moral decisions, our obligations, our character, our sense of responsibility, our sense of social justice and the nature of the good life

Question 12

Who is Kohlberg?

Answer 12

a psychologist known for his theory of moral development, which outlines stages of moral reasoning individuals progress through as they mature

Question 13

What does Kohlberg theory of moral development provide for nursing and ethics?

Answer 13

provides insights into how individuals, including nurses, develop their ethical reasoning and decision-making abilities, understanding the stages of moral development can help nurses recognize and analyze the moral reasoning underlying these dilemmas, as well as their own moral development

Question 14

What are the three main levels of Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

Answer 14

pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional level

Question 15

What are the two stages at the pre-conventional level?

Answer 15

stage 1 is obedience and punishment orientation, stage 2 is individualism and exchange

Question 16

what is stage 1 obedience and punishment in Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

Answer 16

individuals at this stage focus on avoiding punishment, they perceive right behaviour as that which avoids punishment from authority figures and obeying rules to maintain personal safety

Question 17

What would a nurse do in stage 1 of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?

Answer 17

a nurse may follow protocols strictly to avoid discipline or negative consequences

Question 18

What is stage 2 individualism and exchange in Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

Answer 18

individuals focus on their own interests and benefits, they adhere to rules that serve their own needs and desires, engaging in actions that result in personal gain or reciprocity

Question 19

What are the two stages at the conventional level?

Answer 19

Stage 3 interpersonal relationships and conformity and stage 4 maintaining social order

Question 20

What would a nurse do in stage 2 of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?

Answer 20

a nurse may prioritize actions that benefit themselves or their patients directly, such as providing comfort measures to gain patient satisfaction

Question 21

What is stage 3 interpersonal relationships and conformity in Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

Answer 21

individuals at this stage prioritize maintaining positive relationships with others and conforming to social norms, they base moral decisions on how they will affect interpersonal relationships and seek approval from others

Question 22

What would a nurse do in stage 3 of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?

Answer 22

a nurse may make decisions based on maintaining harmony within the healthcare team or conforming to institutional policies and standards to gain acceptance

Question 23

What is stage 4 maintaining social order in Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

Answer 23

individuals uphold societal laws and rules, they prioritize maintaining social order and stability, respecting authority figures and obeying laws

Question 24

What would a nurse do in stage 4 of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?

Answer 24

a nurse may prioritize following institutional policies and procedures to maintain order within the healthcare setting and uphold professional standards

Question 25

What are the two stages at the post-conventional level?

Answer 25

stage 5 social contract and individual rights and stage 6 universal principles

Question 26

What is stage 5 social contract and individual rights in Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

Answer 26

individuals at this stage recognize the importance of social contracts and individual rights, they understand that laws are social agreements aimed at promoting the greater good and protecting individual rights

Question 27

What would a nurse do in stage 5 of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?

Answer 27

a nurse may critically evaluate healthcare policies and advocate for changes that promote patient rights and societal well-being

Question 28

What is stage 6 universal principles rights in Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

Answer 28

individuals develop a sense of universal ethical principles that transcend societal norms and laws, they base moral decisions on abstract principles of justice, equality, and human rights, even if these conflict with societal conventions or laws

Question 29

What would a nurse do in stage 6 of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?

Answer 29

a nurse may advocate for justice and equality in healthcare, challenging systemic inequalities and promoting ethical practices that benefit all individuals, regardless of societal norms or institutional policies

Question 30

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 30

actions are morally right if they produce the greatest happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people

Question 31

What does utilitarianism offer for nurses?

Answer 31

can offer insight into decision-making processes and guide ethical practice in certain situations, such as advocacy, resource allocation, public health,

Question 32

What is the deontological theory?

Answer 32

emphasizes the importance of moral duty and the inherent value of human beings

Question 33

How does the deontological theory apply to nurses?

Answer 33

the deontological theory emphasizes respect for autonomy, duty-based ethics, and universalizability of moral principles can provide valuable insights into ethical decision-making and the promotion of patient-entered care

Question 34

What ethical principles were considered in ancient times to Middle Ages?

Answer 34

nursing was often considered a religious or familial duty, where ethical principles were guided by cultural, religious beliefs and teachings, and moral codes

Question 35

What ethical principles were considered in the 19th century (modern nursing and the influence of Florence nightingale)?

Answer 35

Nightingale emphasized the importance of ethical nursing practice, focus on principles such as compassion, integrity, and patient advocacy, this laid the foundation for the professionalization and development of code of ethics for nursing practice

Question 36

What ethical principles were considered in the 20th century (professionalization of nursing)?

Answer 36

nursing organizations such as the American nurses association began to develop formal codes of ethics to guide nursing practice, and nursing education programs increasingly integrated ethics into their curriculum

Question 37

What ethical principles were considered in the late 20th century (bioethics movement and ethical challenges)?

Answer 37

ethical issues arose from advances in medical technology, research and healthcare delivery, nurses played a significant roles in the development of bioethics and faced increased ethical challenges

Question 38

What ethical principles were considered in the 21st century (contemporary nursing ethics)?

Answer 38

nursing ethics continues to evolve in response to changing societal values, technological advancements, and healthcare policies, professional organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare institutions promote ongoing education and training in ethics for nurses, emphasizing the importance of ethical reflection, dialogue, and action in nursing practice

Question 39

What do modern ethical practices consists of in nursing?

Answer 39

Respect fo patient autonomy, non maleficence, beneficence, justice, integrity, professional boundaries, continuous learning and ethical reflection

Question 40

What is non maleficence?

Answer 40

to prevent harm and minimize the risk of injury or adverse outcomes

Question 41

What is beneficence?

Answer 41

promoting the well-being and welfare of patients by providing competent, compassionate, and holistic care

Question 42

What is justice?

Answer 42

upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and social justice in the distribution of healthcare resources and the delivery of care

Question 43

What is integrity?

Answer 43

honesty, transparency and accountability