Final answer:
The first step a nurse should take when facing an ethical issue is to determine the patient's wishes, honoring their right to autonomy. Informed consent and adherence to ethical principles like beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice are essential. Accurate record-keeping and honest communication are also critical in ethical practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient situation arises that may present an ethical issue, the first thing a nurse must do is determine the patient's wishes. It is important that each person's views are understood to make an informed and joint decision. The principles of autonomy, which underscores the patient's right to make decisions regarding their own health care, guide this initial step. Subsequent actions can involve reviewing employer's policies and procedures, consulting with the health care team, and involving the supervisor, but the patient's autonomy is paramount.
Informed consent is crucial before participating in any experiment or study, ensuring that participants are aware of the study's purpose and any associated risks. Ethical issues in medical and research fields are addressed by adhering to principles such as nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. Accurate record-keeping, honest communication, and maintenance of confidentiality are also essential components of ethical medical practice and research.