Two Major Ethical Principles In Nursing Practice

Various applicable fundamental ethical principles and major ethical theories can be applied to nursing practice. Mr M is a 72-year-old male of Eastern European origin, who was diagnosed with metastatic cancer on the liver. Mr M was informed of the findings and underwent immediate surgery and was told he would need to commence chemotherapy. The tumour was unable to be surgically removed and the family felt that the knowledge of his terminal illness was against cultural norms and that it would overwhelm him, instead Mr M was told that he had a long recovery and required ongoing treatment. There are fundamental ethical principles which are relevant in this case, such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and veracity. Two major ethical

This autonomy is reflected in law with the signing of consent forms. In Mr M’s case this ability to control what happens to him is not limited by withholding his diagnosis of metastatic cancer, however it does not give him the freedom to choose the course of action based on his terminal condition (Kai, Beavan, & Faull, 2011). Autonomy was not entirely upheld in Mr M’s circumstances.

Beneficence motivates health care workers to have the welfare of the patients as a goal. In Mr M’s case his physical welfare may not benefit from ongoing treatment. Cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, can both be harmful and prolong life (Harrington, & Smith, 2008). This is particularly important when considering that Mr M is terminally ill as the tumour could not be removed. The mental health of the patient may suffer, however further treatment could cause tremendous pain (Loewy,

This principle guides professionals in ensuring they do not discriminate and justice is often an issue regarding resource allocation. In Mr M’s case this is not a vital ethical consideration as the issue is not the equity of his treatment, however it is important to consider whether it is just not to disclose vital information (Kerridge, Lowe, & Stewart, 2013).

Veracity is the capacity to tell the truth as an ethical principle as a basis to forming a trusting relationship in healthcare, this is the most poignant issue in Mr M’s case. The application of veracity may be tempered by the potential for benefit of the patient. However, in this case the physical implications are damaging, while the mental health benefits may be positive. Some theorists suggest that lying in justifiable when it is beneficent, in Mr M’s situation this is partially justifiable in that case (Kerridge, Lowe, & Stewart,