As the healthcare professional in closest contact with both the patient and the physician, nurses face biomedical ethical problems in unique ways. Accordingly, Case Studies in Nursing Ethics presents basic ethical principles and specific guidance for applying these principles in nursing practice, through analysis of over 150 actual case study conflicts that have occurred in nursing practice. Each case study allows readers to develop their own approaches to the resolution of ethical conflict and to reflect on how the traditions of ethical thought and professional guidelines apply to the situation.


The Fourth Edition has been completely revised and updated. It includes two new chapters, one on Moral Integrity and Moral Distress which contains AACN model of moral distress and work and one on Respect which addresses several aspects of the general problem of showing respect for patients and others. It's also been updated with new case studies, new 'Critical Thinking Questions' and 'Research Briefs' boxes throughout, as well as citations, glossary, and web resources in health care ethics.