What is ethical neglection in nursing and how can it be avoided?

• A. Failure to address a patient’s ethical concerns or needs; avoid by proactive ethics discussions, advocacy, and timely ethics consultation.
• B. Ethical neglect means ignoring non-urgent tasks only.
• C. It is a form of patient safety intervention.
• D. It is refusing to discuss topics with family.

Answer: (A)

Ethical neglect means failing to recognize or respond to a patient’s ethical concerns or needs, which can undermine autonomy and compromise the patient’s sense of dignity and justice. It happens when care teams overlook values, preferences, or rights, or don’t advocate for patients who are vulnerable or unable to speak for themselves. To avoid it, weave ethics into everyday care: hold regular discussions about ethical issues during rounds or care conferences, actively incorporate the patient’s values and choices into decisions, advocate for what the patient needs even when it’s difficult, and seek timely ethics input through consultations or an ethics committee when conflicts or uncertainties arise. Clarify goals of care, obtain informed consent, protect confidentiality, and document ethical considerations as part of the care plan. This idea is about addressing ethical concerns, not about ignoring non-urgent tasks, serving as a safety intervention, or simply avoiding discussions with family.