What is the nurse's responsibility in maintaining patient confidentiality?
Nurses must protect patient information and share it only with authorized personnel to uphold patient trust and adhere to legal requirements.
Define 'informed consent' in the healthcare context.
Informed consent is the process of providing patients with clear information about their treatment to enable voluntary decision-making.
What is 'beneficence' in nursing ethics?
Beneficence refers to the ethical principle of doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient.
What does 'non-maleficence' mean in nursing practice?
Non-maleficence is the principle of not causing harm to patients and ensuring that interventions do not outweigh the benefits.
Explain the concept of 'autonomy' in nursing ethics.
Autonomy in nursing ethics refers to respecting a patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions.
Describe the term 'justice' in the context of nursing ethics.
Justice in nursing involves being fair and equitable in the distribution of resources and treatment.
What are advance directives and why are they important?
Advance directives are legal documents that specify a patient's preferences for treatment in the event they cannot make decisions, guiding healthcare providers.
How does the 'duty of care' principle impact nursing practice?
The duty of care principle mandates nurses to provide a standard level of care to patients to maintain their safety and wellbeing.
What legal risks do nurses face related to medication administration?
Legal risks include potential lawsuits for errors, violations of protocols, and failing to obtain informed consent for treatments.
What is the significance of documentation in nursing practice?
Proper documentation provides legal protection, supports continuity of care, and ensures patient safety through accurate records.
Why is understanding malpractice important for nurses?
Understanding malpractice helps nurses avoid legal action by adhering to standards of care and avoiding negligence.
What are ethical dilemmas and how should nurses address them?
Ethical dilemmas are situations with conflicting values or principles, addressed by consulting policies, ethics committees, and applying ethical principles.
How can a nurse advocate for a patient's rights?
Nurses advocate for patients by ensuring they have the necessary information to make informed decisions and supporting their decisions in care situations.
What is the role of professional boundaries in nursing practice?
Professional boundaries safeguard both nurse and patient by maintaining a therapeutic relationship and preventing conflicts of interest.
What are the key elements of ethical decision-making in nursing?
Key elements include identifying the ethical issue, considering affected parties, exploring options, and making a justified decision.