Final answer:
Nurses should base ethical decisions on established ethical principles and codes, such as autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, while also considering care ethics and the importance of compassion and understanding in healthcare.
Step-by-step explanation:
When trying to make a responsible ethical decision, nurses should understand that ethical reasoning is primarily based on ethical principles and codes. While the nurse's experience, emotional feelings, and the policies of the institution can inform decisions, the cornerstone of ethical reasoning should be guided by principles such as autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. These principles provide a structured framework for determining what is morally right and support the nurse's deliberations with a logical and consistent basis, aligning with Normative Ethical theories and Metaethics that emphasize the importance of objective reasoning in ethics.
Care ethics also plays a role in the decision-making process by considering the values of compassion, sympathy, and responsibility. This involves understanding all viewpoints relevant to the ethical dilemma, facilitating an informed and reflective decision that might be shaped by the collective values and traditional beliefs in providing care. Ultimately, a mix of ethical theories and a commitment to professional ethical standards will guide nurses in making decisions that respect the moral foundations of their practice and the diverse needs of those they serve.