Definition: Nonmaleficence requires medical professionals to protect patients from harm and avoid causing harm.

Highlight: Confidentiality is crucial for building trust between healthcare providers and patients.

Example: Social justice ensures fair distribution of medical resources without discrimination.

Vocabulary: Veracity - The ethical principle requiring medical professionals to maintain truthfulness in all patient interactions.

Quote: "Legal contracts are agreements between two or more parties that are enforced by the government."

Definition: Advance directives are formal instructions allowing patients to make future medical care decisions while competent.

Highlight: Healthcare agents play a crucial role in representing patients' wishes when they cannot make decisions themselves.

Example: Advance directives can specify preferences regarding drug use, medical procedures, and end-of-life care.

Vocabulary: Healthcare agent - A designated person responsible for making healthcare decisions based on the patient's advance directive.

Quote: "The Patient Self-Determination Act requires patients to be informed in writing of their right to make medical decisions."

Definition: Medical ethics refers to a philosophy of professional medical conduct based on concepts of right and wrong behaviors.

Highlight: The seven primary principles of medical ethics guide all healthcare decisions and patient interactions.

Example: Autonomy in practice involves obtaining informed consent before performing any medical procedure.

Vocabulary: Informed consent - The process of providing patients with comprehensive information about treatment risks and benefits to enable informed decision-making.

Quote: "Refusing medical treatment is also known as informed refusal."