Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What defines an orderly process that considers ethical principles and professional obligations?

1. Accountability

2. Ethical decision making

3. Moral principles

4. Code for Nursing Practice

The correct answer is: Ethical decision making

The concept of ethical decision making is central to nursing practice and is defined by a systematic approach that incorporates ethical principles and professional responsibilities. This process involves identifying ethical dilemmas, evaluating the situation based on relevant ethical theories, and considering the implications of various options before reaching a conclusion. Ethical decision making ensures that nurses act in the best interest of their patients while upholding the values of the profession, such as respect, integrity, and compassion. This process is structured and reflective, allowing for comprehensive consideration of the nuances involved in patient care and other nursing responsibilities. By emphasizing an orderly approach, ethical decision making supports nurses in navigating complex situations, fostering trust, and promoting high standards of care, which are essential for effective public health nursing. Other terms like accountability and moral principles, while related to ethics, lack the specific framework of orderly processes for resolving dilemmas. Similarly, the Code for Nursing Practice provides foundational guidelines but does not inherently encapsulate the dynamic process of making ethical decisions in practice.