NRS 437V Complete Discussion Questions: Topic 1 – 5
NRS 437V Topic 1 Discussion Question 1
Many situations can raise ethical concerns, particularly in the face of disagreement and conflict between parties. However, not all situations of an ethical nature result in values conflict or constitute an ethical dilemma. Explain the characteristics of an ethical dilemma. How do they differ from other situations resulting in disagreement between conflicting preferences, needs, or expectations?
NRS 437V Topic 1 Discussion Question 2
Consider the age-old tale of the father who stole a loaf of bread to feed his hungry family. Stealing is deemed wrong by our society and is punishable by law. Failing to provide for one’s family is neglectful and fundamentally wrong. What would be the dilemma and the implications of such a crime on the individual, the family, the community, and society?
NRS 437V Topic 2 Discussion Question 1
How do personal values, morals, and ethics influence decision making? (Consider your upbringing, your family structure, your socioeconomic status, your community, and your own personal experiences). How do these factors influence your decisions? How might they conflict with the needs, preferences, and biases of your patients and their families? Which ethical theoretical framework best describes your personal worldview? Support your response with examples.
NRS 437V Topic 2 Discussion Question 2
Read the assigned article, “Dealing With Futile Treatment: A Medical Student’s Perspective.” How does the author describe futile treatment? What ethical dilemmas are faced by health care providers who must address human suffering? How can ethical principles be used to identify the most appropriate decision when conflict arises?
- What ethical dilemmas are faced by health care providers who must address human suffering?
- How can ethical principles be used to identify the most appropriate decision when conflict arises?
NRS 437V Topic 3 Discussion Question 1
Uustal (1993) proposed a decision-making model that provides concrete steps in which to arrive at a morally acceptable solution when faced with an ethical dilemma. What type of an ethical dilemma have you encountered in the clinical setting? How can the decision-making model identified by Uustal be applied to this situation? Be specific when describing each of the nine steps.
NRS 437V Topic 3 Discussion Question 2
How do a nurse’s fundamental duties, as described by the Hippocratic Oath and Nightingale Pledge, influence a nurse’s practice and decision making?
NRS 437V Topic 4 Discussion Question 1
Does the principle of autonomy guarantee a person the right to do something that is harmful to oneself? To others? Explain your response with ethical rationale.
NRS 437V Topic 4 Discussion Question 2
What is the difference between beneficence and nonmaleficence? Give examples of each from your clinical practice.
NRS 437V Topic 5 Discussion Question 1
- What is the ethical dilemma?
- What is your value and ethical position related to the case? Include discussion of theory and principles on which your position is based.
- What are some other alternatives for resolving the problem?
- What are the possible consequences for those acceptable alternatives?
- How would you prioritize the acceptable alternatives?
- What is your plan of action?
NRS 437V Topic 5 Discussion Question 2
Health care providers are obligated to provide for those entrusted in their care. To what extent do they meet this obligation? How might their obligation to others conflict with their obligation to themselves?