Informed Consent: The Nurses Code Of Ethics

What justifies overriding an individual’s autonomy to make his own choices? The principle of beneficence can sometimes take precedence over individual autonomy. This includes public safety, health and well-being, and legal obligations. This is often invoked in situations where an individual’s actions or decisions could potentially harm others. For instance, law enforcement might intervene to prevent a person from committing a violent act. In the context of the scenario provided, the military might argue that force-feeding the prisoner is necessary to extract information that could prevent terrorist attacks and save lives. However, this raises ethical questions about the use of force and the potential violation of the prisoner’s rights. In healthcare,

Lastly, there are situations where laws and regulations require overriding an individual’s autonomy. For example, in cases of suspected child abuse, professionals are legally obligated to report their suspicions, even if it infringes on the individual’s privacy. In the military context, soldiers are often required to follow orders, even if they conflict with their personal beliefs or values. How does the Code of Ethics guide the nurse in invoking conscientious objection? The Nurses’ Code of Ethics underscores the importance of upholding dignity, eliminating prejudice, exercising conscientious refusal, and fostering effective communication. The Code of Ethics emphasizes that every patient has inherent dignity and worth, regardless of their background or life choices. This means that a nurse should respect the patient’s autonomy and decisions, even if they conflict with the nurse’s personal beliefs or the objectives of the institution they work for. The Code also stresses the importance of providing care without bias or prejudice. This means that a nurse should not let their personal beliefs or biases interfere with the quality of care they

This is to ensure that alternative arrangements can be made for patient care. Nurses should also consider seeking advice from a professional body or legal counsel. In the given situation, the nurse might choose to exercise conscientious objection due to their individual moral and ethical convictions regarding forcibly feeding a patient against their wishes. However, they would need to communicate this decision appropriately to ensure that the patient’s care is not compromised (ANA, 2017). What lessons can be learned from this nurse’s dilemma? Medical ethics involves navigating through shades of gray, where each decision can have far-reaching consequences. In this case, the nurse is torn between their duty to preserve life and their respect for the patient’s autonomy. This complexity underscores the need for careful thought, open dialogue, and ethical guidance in healthcare. In healthcare, patient autonomy is a fundamental principle. It means that patients have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and medical treatment. This includes the right to refuse treatment, even if it may result in harm to