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What Are The Four Ethical Errors In Nursing

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Ethical issues related to medical errors can be categorized around four ethical principles: autonomy and right to self-determination; beneficence and nonmaleficence; disclosure and right to knowledge; and veracity. Each of these principles will be discussed below. “Autonomy refers to freedom from external control. In health care the concept applies to provider respect for the autonomy of patients. A commitment to respect the autonomy of others is a fundamental principle of ethical practice” (Potter et al, 2017, p.287). “Concepts of autonomy and right to self determination acknowledge patients’ rights to make their own choices and to take actions based on their personal views and perceived benefits. Healthcare providers have an ethical obligation …show more content…

The principle of beneficence is fundamental to the practice of nursing and medicine. The agreement to act with beneficence implies that the best interests of the patient remain more important than self-interest” (Potter et al, 2017, p.287). As a nurse facing this predicament, it is the ability to help the patient understand that any medications prescribed are in the best interest of the patient. If the patient is unable to physically ingest a medication due to being nauseous the nurse should take action by calling the Physician on duty and advocating for an IV anti-nausea medication to help the patient reduce the symptoms. Though a nurse can be very busy and it can be time consuming to call the doctor making the order recommendation, the nurse must look past ones time restraints and have the patient’s best interest in mind. As a nurse one main intervention is to ensure patient safety comfort by providing medications to patients following protocol avoiding any medication errors that can cause harm. “Nonmaleficence refers to the avoidance of harm or hurt. In health care ethical practice involves not only the will to do right but also the equal commitment to do no harm. A health care professional tries to balance the risks and benefits of care while striving at the same time to do the least harm possible” (Potter et al, 2017, …show more content…

This theory does not focus on the consequences of the actual decision a nurse may make. Instead it looks for characteristics that make the decision right or wrong. This theory can also apply to nursing because this does not look at the negative aspect of this decision. However, in my particular dilemma I believe that Michele the night nurse was using this theory confided by the patients NPO status, therefore she assumed any medications would cause added discomfort and N/V. Though I believe Michele should also be concerned about all symptoms the patient is facing and advocated for IV medications to accurately treat the patient with needed prescriptions the MD ordered. The well being of the patient is a top concern and a nurse should communicate and concerns or issues by collaborating with the health care team. Overall the patient remaining safe while under our care and minimal errors is the top

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