The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses promotes the concept of:

BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Fundamental of Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Explanation

The ICN Code of Ethics is fundamentally centered on respecting the human rights, values, and choices of the individual.
Patient autonomy is the principle that individuals have the right to make their own decisions regarding their health and medical care.
Informed consent is the process where a nurse ensures the patient receives and understands all necessary information (risks, benefits, alternatives) to make a voluntary and informed decision about their treatment.
The ICN code explicitly states that nurses must provide information on which patients can 'base consent for care and related treatment,' directly upholding these concepts.

Option A: This is an outdated and narrow view of the nursing role. The ICN code emphasizes that nurses are advocates, leaders, and partners in decision-making, not just passive caregivers.
Option B: The ICN code prioritizes patient well-being, equity, and social justice in resource allocation. Basing healthcare solely on economic efficiency would conflict with the ethical duty to provide fair care to all.
Option C: The ICN code promotes a collaborative and team-based approach. A strict hierarchical model undermines patient participation and inter-professional respect, which are central to modern nursing ethics.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Core principles of the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In daily practice, upholding patient autonomy means explaining procedures clearly, listening to patient concerns, and respecting their decision to refuse a medication or treatment.
Ensuring informed consent is a critical legal and ethical responsibility. A nurse must verify that the patient truly understands what they are agreeing to, and if not, facilitate further discussion with the provider.
These principles protect the patient from paternalism (where the provider makes decisions 'for' the patient) and empower them to be active partners in their own care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses'.
Recall the fundamental principles of modern nursing ethics. Think about patient-centered care, patient rights, and the role of the nurse as an advocate.
Evaluate each option against these core principles.
Option A (solely caregivers) is too restrictive. Option B (economic efficiency) misplaces the primary focus from patient well-being to finances. Option C (hierarchical) contradicts the modern emphasis on collaboration.
Option D (autonomy and informed consent) directly aligns with the central tenet of respecting the patient as an individual with the right to make informed choices about their own body and health.
Select the option that best represents the patient-centered foundation of contemporary nursing ethics.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q5UW2RkzMz6bDs3GgqpdCE

E6 Principles and Practice of NURSING Management Leadership for BSc NursingJogindra Vati — Subpart C (pp 679-1002 of 1017) p. 269-271

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 66-68, 69-71