Week 2: Ethical Practice

Question 1

What is the Utilitarian Theory?

Answer 1

*ethics of consequence/outcomes-based ethics; goal or consequence-based

Considering the ripple effect, what could happen as a result of this decision? What are the consequences or outcomes of this decision?

“Which action yields the greatest good?”

Question 1

Define Moral Theories

Answer 1

broad umbrella terms, a way of thinking about why things are the way they are

Question 2

What is the Deontological Theory?

Answer 2

ethics of duty/rule-based ethics; duty-based ethics (action based on following rules)

Might be little consideration to the consequences of the action due to focus on the duty and obligation or rules

ethical – if based on ethical rules regardless of consequences

Question 3

What is the Virtue Theory?

Answer 3

*ethics of character; character-based – based on a role-model (“what would ____ do?”)

-Moral virtues → honesty, kindness, loyalty, fairness
-Practical virtues → intelligence & prudence

Question 4

What is the Relational Theory?

Answer 4

ethics of care, feminist; how would the action affect others & the relationship?

-Focuses on preserving relationships, improving communication, enhancing cooperation, & minimizing harm
-Looks at decisions & conflicts from the perspective of the relationships involved & might be affected

Question 5

Define Autonomy

Answer 5

Respecting an individual’s right to make their own decisions about things that’ll affect them & will NOT impede someone else’s rights

Involves the concept of self-determination

requires ability to understand (competent, make their own decisions), relevant information to make their decision (risk vs benefits, potential outcomes, info about their illness), Freedom to act

Question 6

What is Self-determination?

Answer 6

being in charge of oneself *informed consent

Question 7

Define Beneficence

Answer 7

(doing good/providing benefit for others)

▪Protects & defends the rights of others → focuses on good intentions & good outcomes

▪Guides us to act in the best interests of others → need to connect w/ people to form a relationship – to understand their values & what they’d consider as “best interests”

Question 8

Define non-maleficence

Answer 8

(preventing/avoiding harm)

▪Our obligation to do no harm by avoiding, preventing, or minimizing harm (physical or emotional)

*An ethical decision needs to balance risks/benefits & lean more towards promoting good & avoiding/preventing harm

Question 9

Define Justice

Answer 9

(social justice, fairness, equity)
Refers to fairness, equity, & equality; it’s about treating similar situations alike & applying rules/criteria the same way for everyone! *human rights & public good

Question 10

Define Fidelity

Answer 10

(loyalty, trustworthiness, accountability)
▪Refers to our obligation to stay faithful/loyal to our commitments *doing what we say we will
*Keeping promises & being faithful to those who trust us w/ their care

Question 11

Define Veracity

Answer 11

(truthfulness)
▪Refers to our obligation to tell the truth & not lie/deceive others *crucial to informed consent
▪Linked to being accountable & promoting & respecting informed decision-making
▪Need to balance brutal honesty with sensitive delivery or true info

Question 12

What is an Ethical Dilemma?

Answer 12

situations w/ no perfect solution; occur when there’s equally convincing reasons for & against 2 or more possible courses of action, where choosing one course of action means that another is let go

Question 13

What is the purpose of a therapeutic relationship?

Answer 13

*Planned & goal-directed towards client’s needs
*Always act in best interests of the person
*Recognize power & vulnerability
*Remain w/in zone of helpfulness

Question 14

Define Boundary Crossing

Answer 14

*crossing the therapeutic boundary = making extra efforts to meet client needs

o Brief, intentional, & intended to benefit client

oConsidered unacceptable/inappropriate when actions focus on or meet the nurse’s personal needs &/or pose a risk to the therapeutic relationship

Question 15

Define Boundary Violation

Answer 15

o Occurs when client’s needs are no longer the focus of the therapeutic relationship;

characterized by a reversal of roles, secrecy, creating a double bind for client, & allowing personal privilege by the professional

Question 16

What are the steps in the WRHA ethical decision guide?

Answer 16

1. Identify the problem
2. Reflect on the problem
3. Deliberate
4. Resolve the problem

Question 17

What are the steps involved in identifying the problem? (WRHA Ethical Decision guide)

Answer 17

*determine the main question to be answered
1.What’s the problem? What’s the decision to be made? *determine the main question to be answered

2.Who’s affected? Whose values are crucial? What are they? *consider all relevant parties & values

Question 18

What are the steps involved in reflecting on the problem? (WRHA Ethical Decision Guide)

Answer 18

3.What ethical principles apply? (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice) *consider & discuss ethical principles
4.Consider obligations *identify & consider standards & obligations that affect available options
5.What other factors are relevant? *consider effects of relationships, situations, & constraints

Question 19

What are the steps involved in deliberating on the problem? (WRHA Ethical Decision Guide)

Answer 19

6. What ripple effect do you expect? *discuss risk-benefit analysis & potential ripple effects

Question 20

What are the steps involved in resolving the problem? (WRHA Ethical Decision Guide)

Answer 20

7.Make a choice & evaluate the process/outcome *review process & outcome; did you do the right thing?
8.Address any moral distress or policy implications; debrief *reduce risk of recurrence & emotional distress wherever possible