Introduction

Ethical decision-making is a core component of nursing practice. Nurses often encounter situations requiring careful consideration of ethical principles, patient rights, and professional responsibilities. PHI FPX 3200 Assessment 1 examines ethical challenges in nursing and explores frameworks that guide ethical decision-making.

Ethical Principles in Nursing

Patient Autonomy

Nurses must respect patients' rights to make informed  NHS FPX 8010 Assessment 2  about their care. This includes providing comprehensive information and supporting patients in their choices, even when they differ from medical recommendations.

Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

Beneficence refers to actions that promote patient well-being, while nonmaleficence requires nurses to avoid harm. These principles ensure that care decisions prioritize the patient's best interests.

Justice

Justice in nursing involves ensuring that all patients receive fair and equal treatment. Nurses must advocate for equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of a patient’s background or financial status.

Ethical Challenges in Nursing

End-of-Life Care

Nurses frequently face ethical dilemmas in end-of-life care, such as balancing patient autonomy with family wishes. Ethical frameworks help guide decision-making in palliative and hospice care settings.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Protecting patient information is a legal and ethical obligation. Nurses must navigate complex situations where confidentiality conflicts with other ethical concerns, such as reporting suspected abuse.

Resource Allocation

Nurses often work in settings where resources are limited. Ethical decision-making ensures that resource allocation is fair and prioritizes patient needs without discrimination.

Ethical Frameworks for Nursing Decision-Making

The Nursing Code of Ethics

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics provides guidelines for ethical nursing practice. It helps nurses navigate moral dilemmas and maintain professional integrity.

The Four-Principle Approach

This approach considers autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice to guide ethical decision-making. It ensures a balanced perspective when resolving complex ethical issues.

Ethical Committees

Hospitals and healthcare institutions often have ethics NHS FPX 8010 Assessment 1  that provide guidance on challenging cases. Nurses can consult these committees for support in ethical decision-making.

Conclusion

PHI FPX 3200 Assessment 1 emphasizes the critical role of ethical decision-making in nursing. By understanding key ethical principles and using ethical frameworks, nurses can navigate complex dilemmas while upholding patient rights and professional integrity. Ethical nursing practice enhances patient trust, promotes fairness, and ensures high-quality care.