What are the 7 ethical principles emphasized in class?
Autonomy, Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Justice, Fidelity, Veracity
How does a nurse
... [Show More] demonstrate autonomy for a patient?
Let the patient make a choice and act on it
When a nurse follows through on a promise- no matter how big or small- what ethical principle is being displayed?
Fidelity
WTF is nonmaleficence?
It's like the main job of a nurse: First do no harm.
So it's a nurse using his judgement to avoid damaging the patient physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
WTF is beneficence?
Doing things that benefit the patient.
What is the ethical OBLIGATION to tell the truth?
Veracity
Is telling the truth always easy?
No, man.
"Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same"-- The Fray
When a nurse treats all patients equally regardless of gender, age, sex, religious background, or beliefs...
Like treating everyone Equally, what is that ethical principle called?
Justice
WTF is negligence?
Failure to meet a pt's needs
If a nurse fails to take action can this be a form of negligence?
Yeah;
Can negligence be done on purpose or accidently?
Yeah, man
What does a patient advocate do?
Speaks up for or acts on behalf of a patient who can't do that for him/herself.
What does the advocate avoid when expressing the perspective of the one being advocated for?
Advocate avoids letting personal values influence advocacy for the patient she is representing.
-Supporting the patient's decision even when the advocate's preferences conflicts with the nurse's values and beliefs.
(This is tough!)
Why is it important to understand the patient's bill of rights, nursing practice act, and ANA code of ethics?
This is important to understand what is expected as a nurse (scope of practice), what is the patient can expect from being in the healthcare facility, as well as what the healthcare facility expects of the patient.
Once these guidelines are established, it becomes clear when something goes wrong and what actions to take to make it right.
(I made this up. I did this to help me understand why cuz all this crap is boring when it's out of context. It's so conceptual. It IS important stuff, though! If my answer or question are inaccurate in anyway, edit it and let me know. Love, Daniel)
What principle does a patient advocate uphold on behalf of the patient who can't speak for himself?
Principle of Fidelity-- Following through
What are examples of negligent acts?
These ALL are considered negligent acts whey they injure a patient in some way;
Med errors, Falls, failure to use sterile technique, Failure to check equipment before using it, failure to monitor client's condition/report changes in client's condition to physician, failure to give complete report to oncoming nursing staff
How is malpractice determined?
If the nurse owed a duty to the patient but did not carry it out, resulting in injury to the patient-
-- and the injury to the patient would have been prevented if the nurse did his effing job.
What is malpractice?
Negligence on the nurse's part
What is proof of liability?
Proving a certain person/people messed up
What needs to be extablished to prove liability?
Duty, Breach of duty, Proximate cause, damage or injury
Proof of liability: Duty
At the time of injury, duty existed between plaintiff and defendent
Proof of liability: Duty
-- no legalese
At the time of injury, the nurse had a responsibility to the patient
Proof of liability: Breach of duty
The defendant breached the duty of care to the plaintiff
Proof of liability: Breach of duty
-- No legalese
The nurse FAILED to follow through on his obligation to the patient's care
Proof of liability: Proximate cause
The breach of duty was the legal cause of injury to the client
Proof of liability: Proximate cause
--No legalese
The nurses' mistake injured the patient
Proof of liability: Damage or injury
The plaintiff experienced injury or damages or both and can be compensated by law
WTF is informed consent?
Letting a patient make a choice, even if the nurse doesn't believe it's in the patient's best interest.
Give the patient all the information and educate the patient about all options
What are the ways that consent can be obtained?
Informed, implied, advanced directives
What are some forms of advaned directives?
Living will, Power of Attorney, verbal, surrogate decision maker
Steps to obtain consent
1. Assess pt. mental status/decision making abilities
2. explain procedure/outcomes
--- risks vs. benefits
3. Explain alternatives
4. Have patient/guardian sign
5. Witness and sign
If a patient is cognitively impaired, who can give consent on his behalf?
POA, spouse, surrogate, Living will
If the patient is a minor, who can give consent on her behalf?
Parent, courts, guardian, guardian "ad litem"
WTF is guardian ad litem
the guardian "for the suit"- the person put in charge of a client for the case
Deontology
decisions based on obligation to duty
Teology
Decisions based on consequences
Physician assisted suicide
Physician assisted suicide: Physician provides means to commit suicide; patient chooses time an place
Euthanasia
Physician takes active role in carrying out the [Show Less]