Question

For this discussion you will be examining ethical nursing practice. In three to five paragraphs answer the following questions. Define in your own words “ethical nursing practice.” Describe the basis or framework you used for your definition. Explain the difference between legal and ethical nursing practice. Discuss one ethical or bioethical dilemma a nurse may encounter and describe how it could be handled.

Answer 1

* Ethical nursing practice definition: Ethics is dfined as a set of guiding principles that all members of a profession accept.

Ethical nursing practice can be defined as the functioning of nurses according to a general guide or guiding principles that describes what is expected in terms of right to serve the public effectively.

*Frame work used for the definition.

In nursing there are certain ethics that should be followed by a nurse. They are collectively known as code of ethics. They are;

1.Accountability

It is the ability to answer for one's actions. So that the nurses should make sure that their actions are explainable.

2.confidentiality

Protect the data related to the patients health history.

Autonomy:refers to freedom from external control

Nonmaleficence:avoidance of harm or hurt

Justice:refers to fairness

Fidelity:it is the agreement to keep promises

*Difference between legal and ethical nursing

Ethical nursing: Ethical nursing standards are based on the human principles of right and wrong.

Legal : Legal standards are based on written law.

Example:the protection of patients health history is one of the most important ethical and legal issue in the field of health care.

*Ethical dilemmas which nurses face are vast in scope.

The nurses should recognize ethical dilemmas and take appropriate action.

Ethical issues in health care is mainly related to the allocation of scarce resources and end of life issues. So nurses have the responsibility to recognize and take action.

*Example of ethical dilemmas a nurse may face:

Consider a scenario where a patient comes from a culture in which it is considered wrong to tell patiet that they are dying. The nurse is unclear how to respond to the familys request to conceal the truth from a dying patient.

*Process of resolving ethical issues

1.identify the problem

2.gather relevant data

3.analyze the problem whether it is related to regulatory issue or regulatory requirements

4.compare the problem to Code of ethics

5.identify what is in your control and what is not

6.identify your resources

7.make a plan of action

8.take action

9.evaluate action