Question

The nurse is serving on the hospital ethics committee which is considering the ethics of a proposal for the nursing staff to search the room of a client diagnosed with substance abuse while he is off the unit and without his knowledge. Which of the following should be considered concerning the relationship of ethical and legal standards of behavior?

a. Ethical standards are generally higher than those required by law.
b. Ethical standards are equal to those required by law. c.Ethical standards bear no relationship to legal standards for behavior.
d.Ethical standards are irrelevant when the health of a client is at risk.

Answer 1

The correct response is that ethical standards are generally higher than those required by law. Ethical codes and IRB oversight ensure medical practices respect patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, which are key in maintaining trust and dignity in patient care.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the relationship between ethical and legal standards of behavior, particularly in the context of a hospital ethics committee deliberation on whether to allow nursing staff to search a substance abuse client's room without their knowledge, certain factors should be taken into account. Ethical standards often exist at a higher level than legal requirements, ensuring that actions in clinical settings are not just legally justifiable but also morally conscionable. These standards emphasize principles such as autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for patient rights are foundational to ethical medical practice. Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and ethical codes such as the American Sociological Association's Code of Ethics serve to safeguard against unethical behavior in research and patient care, ensuring that individual dignity and rights are preserved.

In light of these considerations, the correct response to the student's question is: a. Ethical standards are generally higher than those required by law. This acknowledges the need for a higher standard of conduct in the medical profession, ensuring the provision of care is not only legal but also ethical. Ethical considerations must be weighed against legal obligations, especially in sensitive areas such as substance abuse and patient privacy.