Key Terms
This is a field of knowledge that affect decision about the care of individuals.
What is bioethics?
This is the right to make independent decisions.
What is autonomy?
Is it an ethical issue or an ethical theory if you are able to identify all the genes that make you who you are?
What is an ethical issue of genetics?
This type of law has two components: enacted law and regulatory law.
What is statutory law?
What is it called when you, as a nurse, is bound by legal and ethical principles to keep patient information to yourself?
What is confidentiality?
This term is derived from a Greek word that means "that which is obligatory," or one's duty.
What is deontology?
This is described as doing good and the right thing for a patient.
Is expecting people to feel an obligation to fulfill their duties to one another and to maintain dignity an ethical issue or an ethical theory?
What is an ethical theory of deontology?
Which type of law is used when an attorney refers to a decision in a previous court case that is similar to the one being tried?
What is common law?
When giving care to patients, nurses are expected to explain what is about to be done to the patient. This is doing what?
What is asking permission to treat?
With this theory, determining what is "right" is based on the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people.
What is utilitarianism?
This is an obligation to be impartial or fair, and implies all patients will receive equal treatment.
What is justice?
Is the use of stem-cell research an ethical issue or an ethical theory?
What is an ethical issue of stem-cell research?
These provide guidance to the nurse in how a situation should be managed and the proper course of action when working in a healthcare facility.
What are institutional polices and procedures?
What is it called when the law states that a person receiving health care must fully understand the possible outcomes, alternatives to treatment, and all possible consequences to the procedure.
What is informed consent?
These laws are made to govern according to established rules, such as the state board of nursing for nurses, the interstate trucking commission for the trucker, or the boxing commission for the professional boxer.
What are regulatory laws?
This is the concept of faithfulness or keeping promises or agreements.
Is conducting an experiment that is based on the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people an ethical issue or an ethical principle?
What is an ethical theory of utilitarianism?
This type of law affects the public welfare and is designed to preserve society by deterring people from harming others.
What is criminal law?
What is it called whenever you say something or share information that is detrimental to another person and you can be held liable?
What is defamation of character?
These laws are written and passed by a formal law-making body such as the state and national legislatures.
What are enacted laws?
This is an obligation to tell the truth.
What is veracity?
When legislation dictates that all employers provide birth control options in health insurance plan of all employees, is that an ethical issue or an ethical principle?
What is an ethical issue of bioethics/
These are laws that apply between organizations or individuals.
What is civil law?
What is the unlawful touching of another person without consent, justification, or reason?
What is battery?