A nurse is faced with a moral dilemma regarding a patient's confidentiality. What should be the nurse's first step in the ethical decision-making process?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Identifying the individuals involved and their rights and responsibilities is the first step in the ethical decision-making process. This provides a foundation for considering the ethical implications of different courses of action.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The term 'non-maleficence' in medical ethics pertains to the principle of avoiding harm or minimizing potential harm to the patient. It underscores the moral obligation of healthcare providers to not cause unnecessary harm to the patient and to act in a way that prevents harm when possible. This principle complements the principle of beneficence, which focuses on promoting the patient's well-being.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sharing patient notes does not reduce accuracy. In fact, it can improve accuracy as it allows for better communication and collaboration among healthcare providers. Sharing patient notes ensures that all relevant information is accessible to different healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care, leading to better-informed decisions and more accurate diagnoses. Additionally, sharing patient notes with the patients themselves can also improve accuracy by enabling them to review and provide input on their own medical information, helping to identify any errors or discrepancies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Stopping a medication that is shown to be harmful aligns with the principle of non-maleficence. Non-maleficence refers to the ethical obligation to do no harm or to minimize harm to the patient. In this situation, stopping the medication is a proactive measure taken to prevent further harm to the patient, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being and safety.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The principle of beneficence in medical ethics emphasizes the obligation of healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being and taking positive steps to prevent harm. It requires physicians and caregivers to take actions that benefit the patient, including providing appropriate treatments and interventions.