ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

Cadalin, Darlyn.

Briefly describe and provide for an example

for each.

1. Autonomy

 Autonomy is defined by the right to self-determination and respects the individual's right
to make informed decisions. Autonomy (in nursing field) means that the patients are able
to make independent decisions. This means that nurses should be sure patients have all
of the needed information that is required to decide about their medical care and are
educated. The nurses do not influence the patient's choice.

2. Beneficence

 Beneficence is defined as an act of charity, mercy, and kindness with a strong connotation of
doing good to others including moral obligation. For example, a patient wishes to withdraw
cancer treatment because he feels his quality of life is more important than living longer. For
this patient, it would be practicing beneficence for the nurse to advocate for the patient and
arrange for cancer treatment to be stopped.

3. Nonmaleficence

 Nonmaleficence is the obligation of a physician not to harm the patient. This simply stated
principle supports several moral rules − do not kill, do not cause pain or suffering, do not
incapacitate, do not cause offense, and do not deprive others of the goods of life.
Beneficence means performing a deed that benefits someone, while nonmaleficence
means refraining from doing something that harms or injures someone. Feeding people at
a soup kitchen is an example of beneficence. Preventing a patient from taking a harmful
medication is an example of nonmaleficence.

4. Veracity

 Veracity is the principle of telling the truth and is related to the principle of autonomy.
Veracity is the basis of trust in the “doctor-patient” relationship (or in pediatrics, the
“doctor-child-parent/caregiver” triad relationship).
For example, if a patient was starting chemotherapy and asked about the side effects, a
nurse practicing veracity would be honest about the side effects they could expect with
chemotherapy.

5. Confidentiality

 Confidentiality refers to the duty to protect privileged information and to share entrusted
information responsibly. It stems from the notion that a person's wishes, decisions, and
personal information should be treated with respect. For example, doctor-patient medical
discussions should generally occur in private and a patient might prefer that the doctor
 call their cell phone rather than home.

6. Justice

 The principle of justice in medical ethics refers to a fair and equitable distribution of health
resources. For example, if you were juggling multiple patients, you would not provide
better care based on who has the best insurance. Nurses practicing justice do not provide
care to patients differently based on their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or
religion.

7. Fidelity

 Fidelity addresses a person's responsibility to be loyal and truthful in their relationships

with others. It also includes promise keeping, fulfilling commitments, and trustworthiness.
Fidelity is keeping one's promises. The nurse must be faithful and true to their
professional promises and responsibilities by providing high quality, safe care in a
competent manner. One common example of this is using a written order to ensure that
the patient gets the correct medication and dosage.