Question

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics addresses moral standards for nurses to adhere to and is patient focused. The phrase "patient focused" means it encompasses the: a. patient, family, and group or community b. patient only c. patient and family d. patient and nurse

Short answer

Option a: patient, family, and group or community.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand 'patient focused'

The phrase 'patient focused' in the ANA Code of Ethics means adhering to moral standards that prioritize patients in medical care. This includes understanding the broader impact on patients.

- Analyze the Options

Review each of the given options: a. patient, family, and group or community b. patient only c. patient and family d. patient and nurse Determine which of these encompasses a patient-focused approach.

- Evaluate Option A

Option a includes not only the patient but also their family, and group or community. This broadens the scope beyond just the patient.

- Evaluate Option B

Option b focuses solely on the patient alone, ignoring the context of the patient's interactions with others and the environment.

- Evaluate Option C

Option c includes the patient and their family, recognizing the influence that family can have on a patient's well-being.

- Evaluate Option D

Option d mentions the patient and nurse, but this is more about the caregiver relationship rather than a holistic focus on the patient.

- Determine the Best Choice

Option a ('patient, family, and group or community') is the most comprehensive and aligns with the idea of being patient-focused, as it considers the broader context affecting the patient.

Key concepts

patient focused care

The ANA Code of Ethics emphasizes patient focused care. This approach prioritizes the patient over everything else in the healthcare process. It considers not just the patient's immediate medical needs, but also their long-term well-being and overall experience. Additionally, patient focused care acknowledges the importance of those who directly impact the patient's life.
The role of family, community, and social interactions are seen as vital components of a patient's health. This means healthcare professionals, including nurses, must engage with patients and their families to deliver comprehensive care. By focusing on the broader context affecting the patient, healthcare providers can ensure better outcomes and patient satisfaction.

nursing ethics

Nursing ethics are foundational to the profession of nursing. The ANA Code of Ethics provides guidelines that uphold the ethical standards expected of nurses. It sets the moral compass for nurses, ensuring that they act with integrity and respect in all interactions.
Key principles in nursing ethics include:

• Respect for patient autonomy: Acknowledging and supporting a patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions.
• Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of the patient.
• Non-maleficence: Committed to not causing harm to the patient.
• Justice: Treating all patients fairly and without discrimination.

These principles ensure that nurses provide care that is ethical, compassionate, and in line with professional standards, contributing to building trust with patients and their families.

holistic patient care

Holistic patient care is an approach that treats the patient as a whole rather than focusing solely on specific diseases or conditions. It incorporates physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
This approach recognizes that a patient's health is influenced by a variety of factors beyond just the physical symptoms they present. Nurses practicing holistic care:

• Engage with patients to understand their personal experiences, beliefs, and values.
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to address the full spectrum of patient needs.
• Include family members in care discussions, as their support can be critical to the patient's well-being.
• Emphasize patient education, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage their own health.

Holistic care aims to improve overall quality of life, not just treat illness.

moral standards in nursing

Moral standards in nursing are the ethical guidelines that govern nurses' actions and decisions. They ensure that nurses provide care that is in the best interest of the patient, in accordance with societal and professional expectations.
These standards include:

• Accountability: Nurses must be responsible for their actions and omissions.
• Confidentiality: Patient information should be kept private and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
• Dignity: Providing care that respects the inherent worth of every individual.
• Respect: Valuing the opinions and rights of patients and colleagues.

Adhering to these moral standards helps maintain the integrity of the nursing profession, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, compassionate care.