Ethical Issues in Oncology Nursing
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Oncology Nursing course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Ethical Issues in Oncology Nursing #
Ethical Issues in Oncology Nursing
Ethical issues in oncology nursing are complex situations that require nurses to… #
These issues often involve balancing the patient's autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and veracity. Oncology nurses must navigate these ethical dilemmas while providing compassionate and evidence-based care to their patients.
Advance Directive #
Advance Directive
An advance directive is a legal document that allows individuals to specify thei… #
This document often includes instructions for end-of-life care, such as do-not-resuscitate orders and preferences for life-sustaining treatments.
Autonomy #
Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make their own decisions about th… #
In oncology nursing, respecting a patient's autonomy means involving them in the decision-making process and honoring their preferences for treatment, even if they differ from the healthcare provider's recommendations.
Beneficence #
Beneficence
Beneficence is the ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to act i… #
In oncology nursing, beneficence involves providing high-quality care, managing pain and symptoms effectively, and advocating for the patient's needs.
Bioethics #
Bioethics
Chemotherapy #
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells… #
It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy, to improve outcomes for cancer patients. Chemotherapy can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, hair loss, and fatigue.
Confidentiality #
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to p… #
In oncology nursing, maintaining confidentiality is essential to building trust with patients and ensuring that their personal information is not disclosed without their consent.
Cultural Competence #
Cultural Competence
Cultural competence refers to the ability of healthcare providers to understand… #
In oncology nursing, cultural competence is essential for providing patient-centered care and addressing the unique needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Decision #
Making Capacity
Decision #
making capacity is the ability of individuals to understand information about their medical condition, evaluate their treatment options, and communicate their preferences for care. In oncology nursing, assessing decision-making capacity is important for ensuring that patients can make informed decisions about their treatment.
Do #
Not-Resuscitate (DNR)
A do #
not-resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest. In oncology nursing, DNR orders are often discussed with patients who have advanced cancer and may not benefit from aggressive life-saving measures.
End #
of-Life Care
End #
of-life care refers to the medical and emotional support provided to individuals who are nearing the end of their life. In oncology nursing, end-of-life care focuses on managing symptoms, providing comfort, and ensuring that patients' wishes for their care are respected.
Genetic Testing #
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing involves analyzing an individual's DNA to identify genetic mutat… #
In oncology nursing, genetic testing can help guide treatment decisions, assess a patient's risk of cancer recurrence, and inform their family members about their own risk.
Hospice Care #
Hospice Care
Hospice care is a type of end #
of-life care that focuses on managing symptoms, providing comfort, and supporting the emotional needs of patients with terminal illnesses. In oncology nursing, hospice care is often provided to individuals with advanced cancer who have a limited life expectancy.
Informed Consent #
Informed Consent
Informed consent is the process of ensuring that patients understand the risks,… #
In oncology nursing, obtaining informed consent is essential for empowering patients to make decisions about their care and respecting their autonomy.
Nonmaleficence #
Nonmaleficence
Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to do… #
In oncology nursing, nonmaleficence involves minimizing the side effects of treatment, managing pain effectively, and promoting the patient's well-being.
Palliative Care #
Palliative Care
Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that focuses on managing symptoms… #
In oncology nursing, palliative care is often provided alongside curative treatments to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of cancer patients.
Quality of Life #
Quality of Life
Quality of life refers to an individual's overall well #
being and satisfaction with their physical, emotional, and social functioning. In oncology nursing, maintaining and improving the quality of life for cancer patients is a key goal of care, especially for those with advanced disease or undergoing intensive treatment.
Veracity #
Veracity
Veracity is the ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to be truth… #
In oncology nursing, practicing veracity involves providing accurate information about a patient's diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options, as well as respecting their right to know the truth about their condition.