Patient Rights
What is the ethical principle that allows a patient to refuse treatment?
Autonomy
What law protects patient privacy in the U.S.?
HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
A patient refuses pain medication even though they are in severe pain. What ethical principle is involved?
Autonomy – respect for patient choices.
In which country is euthanasia legal under strict conditions?
The Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, etc.
A nurse witnesses a colleague taking medication from the supply room. What is the ethical obligation?
Report it immediately.
A patient asks to see their medical records. Are they legally allowed to?
Yes, under HIPAA or similar laws in other countries
Is it ethical for a nurse to discuss patient details with colleagues in a public setting?
No, this violates confidentiality.
A nurse makes a mistake but no harm comes to the patient. Should they report it?
Yes, honesty and accountability are key ethical principles.
In some cultures, family members make healthcare decisions instead of the patient. What ethical principle may conflict with this?
(Autonomy vs. cultural sensitivity.)
A nurse is asked to work a shift for a sick colleague but feels too tired. Is it ethical to refuse?
Yes, if exhaustion could compromise patient care.
A family member demands details about a patient's condition. What should a nurse do?
Maintain confidentiality unless the patient has given consent.
A celebrity is admitted to the hospital. A nurse checks their file out of curiosity. What ethical rule is being broken?
Breach of confidentiality
A terminally ill patient asks the nurse to help them die. What ethical issue is this?
Euthanasia or assisted suicide, which is legal in some places but illegal in others.
Some countries allow presumed consent for organ donation. What does this mean?
Unless a person opts out, they are considered an organ donor - Austria, Poland, Sweden
A nurse feels they are being discriminated against at work. What is the ethical action to take?
Report it through proper channels, such as HR or a supervisor.
Can a nurse override a patient's decision if they believe it's harmful?
No, unless the patient is deemed incapable of making informed decisions.
A patient with a sexually transmitted disease refuses to inform their partner. What ethical dilemma does the nurse face?
Confidentiality vs. duty to warn.
A nurse refuses to assist in a procedure due to personal beliefs. What ethical principle is involved?
Conscientious objection—allowed in some cases but must not compromise patient care
In some regions, disclosing a terminal diagnosis to a patient is discouraged. What ethical principle is at risk?
Truth-telling vs. cultural beliefs about protecting the patient from distress.
A doctor orders a treatment that the nurse believes is incorrect. Should the nurse question it?
Yes, patient safety comes first—nurses must advocate for proper care.
A minor refuses a life-saving treatment, but their parents insist on it. How should the nurse proceed?
It depends on local laws/or country laws—some minors can make medical decisions under the "mature minor doctrine in some countries.
When, if ever, can a nurse legally break confidentiality?
When there is a serious risk of harm to the patient or others, such as abuse, suicidal intent, or infectious disease reporting.
A hospital is short-staffed. A nurse is asked to work beyond legal limits. Should they comply?
No, working while exhausted can lead to unsafe patient care and is unethical.
A nurse working abroad is asked to participate in a practice that conflicts with their ethical training. How should they handle this?
They should follow both professional ethical guidelines and respect local laws and customs, seeking guidance if needed.
A nurse is asked to falsify patient records to make the hospital's numbers look better. What are the ethical and legal consequences?
This is fraud, unethical, and illegal—should be reported immediately.