The nurse is caring for patients in the emergency department. Which ethical principle should the nurse use to care for a patient who is suicidal before caring for a patient with a chronic health problem?
1. Deontology
2. Utilitarianism
3. Ethics of care
4. Virtue ethics
2. Utilitarianism
Explanation:
Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of an action and promoting the greater good. By choosing to treat a suicidal patient who may be in immediate jeopardy over a patient with a chronic condition, the nurse is focused on the potential outcome of the decision. Deontology focuses on moral duty and that all persons are of equal value. The ethics of care involves being empathetic and having an emotional connection. Virtue ethics is how the nurse applies her values to a particular case and is not the primary principle for this situation.
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