Foundations for Ethical and Legal Nursing Practice

View slide show for some basics of nursing ethics. Review the ethical case before you do the case study assignment.

Click on the link below to learn about ethics in Nursing.
Ethics in Nursing

Click on the link below to view a video about ethics in Nursing.
Nursing Ethics

Example of an Bioethical Dilemma in Nursing

Steven age 55 was admitted to the hospital after having a stroke which has left him with no movement of his left arm or leg. He is a highly motivated individual and is determined to at least get feeling back in his arm. He works on his arm exercises diligently at least 4 times at day, putting it through a vigorous work out. Today when his nurse Jeffrey come to assess him, the following conversation occurs.

Steve says: "Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course" Jeff replies.

Steve: "Am I going to regain the use of my arm?"

Jeff ..........

Before we see what Jeff replies consider what ethical dilemma is presented here. There appears to be a conflict between veracity and beneficence.

Veracity means that patients are entitled to the truth. The nurse should not intentionally deceive or lie to the patient. Consider that in this situation. The nurse has had many experiences with similar situations and thinks that the chances of Steven regaining use of the arm are very remote. Does he tell Steven this?

Beneficence means that the nurse's first responsibility is to do good, or to benefit the patient. If Jeff tells Steven he will never use his arm again, is that going to benefit the patient? Can you see the ethical conflict? This is very common in health care, nurses must often determine how to balance two conflicting ethical principles.

Jeff replies: "It is often the determination of the individual that affects the outcome in situations such as yours. No one can predict with certainty how much you will regain, but your willpower and efforts are very important."

Was that appropriate? While Jeff was not totally truthful, he did not lie. He allowed for some hope so that Steven can continue to focus on improving strength. While he may not ever regain total use of the arm, certainly his efforts may have some benefit.

Do you agree? Disagree? Can you think of other responses?

Go to the assignment and analyze the next case study.