Final answer:
Nurses refer to their Code of Ethics to guide their professional practices related to ethical issues, providing a framework for making ethical decisions and helping them navigate complex situations that require a balanced approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse refers to the Code of Ethics for Nurses or the Public Health Code of Ethics primarily to guide professional practice related to ethics. Such documents provide a framework for ethical decision making and help in addressing ethical dilemmas by establishing principles that nurses can follow. It's part of their professional responsibility to be aware of and adhere to these ethical standards to ensure they deliver care that's not only medically competent but also morally sound. This guidance is essential as it offers a route to navigate through complex situations that might not have clear-cut solutions and requires a balanced approach considering the patient's values, the nurse's professional obligations, and the ethical implications of different actions.
Codes of ethics in various professions, including healthcare, assist in establishing common ground to expect and promote responsible behavior. It helps professionals like nurses to resolve conflicts using values of care such as compassion, sympathy, and responsibility, and to reflect on their own beliefs in light of these established guidelines.