Week 4 - Ethical Theories, Principles, and the Biomedical Model in Nursing Practice Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is natural law in ethics?
A universal set of norms based on reason, human nature, and divine order, aimed at human flourishing.
What are the main normative ethical theories?
- Utilitarianism,
- Deontology
- Virtue Ethics
- Care Ethics.
What is utilitarianism?
A theory focused on outcomes that maximise overall good or happiness.
What is deontology?
An ethical theory based on duty, rules, and obligations—do what’s right regardless of outcome.
What is virtue ethics?
A character-based theory that asks what traits help someone become a good person.
What is care ethics?
An approach centred on empathy, relationships, attentiveness, and care for others.
How is ethics defined in nursing?
Morality governing behavior; affects all actions requiring choice; leads to codified nursing ethics in Australia.
What is theological ethics?
Ethics based on scripture and religious tradition relevant to specific faith communities.
What is secular ethics?
Ethics based on reason alone, without reference to religious authority.
What is the Golden Rule in ethics?
“Do to others what you would want them to do to you.” – Luke 6:31
What are the core attributes of ethics?
Concerned with human flourishing, prescriptive, reasoned, universal, and of overriding importance.
What is the purpose of the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses?
To guide action based on social values and health needs; must be applied in real-world contexts.
What causes ethical conflict in nursing?
Differences in personal values and reasoning between individuals.
What ethical concerns guide how we live our lives?
Right actions (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology), motives, consequences, and the kind of person we aim to be.
What is principlism?
A modern model combining various ethical theories to guide bioethical decision-making through four principles.
What is bioethics?
Ethics of biological research, tech use, and experimentation—highly relevant to nursing.
What happens when bioethical principles conflict?
They must be weighed, and the one with the greatest weight applies.
Why are biomedical principles important?
They provide a shared moral starting point and help analyse ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
What are the Biomedical Principles?
- Autonomy
- Non-maleficence
- Beneficence
- Justice
What does autonomy mean in biomedical ethics?
- Respecting patient choice
- Freedom
- Self-determination.
What does non-maleficence require?
Avoiding harm, acting with due care, and protecting patients (e.g., preventing falls, reporting unsafe practice).
What does beneficence require?
Actively doing good—providing care, advocacy, promoting patient welfare. It may involve justified paternalism.
What does justice in healthcare focus on?
Fair distribution of care and services, and responding to needs, deserts, or rights.
What are other forms of justice relevant to nursing?
Reparative justice (e.g., Indigenous health), reconciliation, and common good.
