Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The significance of ethical decision-making in nursing is primarily rooted in its ability to enhance patient welfare and build trust. When nurses engage in ethical decision-making, they are guided by principles such as compassion, respect, autonomy, and justice, which are fundamental to providing high-quality patient care.

By prioritizing the needs and rights of patients, ethical decision-making ensures that care is patient-centered and supportive of their best interests. This approach not only promotes the physical and emotional well-being of patients but also fosters a therapeutic relationship characterized by trust. Patients who feel that their nurses are making ethical choices are likely to be more open, communicative, and compliant with their treatment plans, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

In contrast, options that suggest reducing workload or minimizing patient interaction do not promote a holistic approach to care and may lead to poorer outcomes. Compliance with healthcare policies, while important, is a means to an end rather than the ultimate goal in ethical practice. It is the commitment to ethical decision-making that truly underlies the nurse’s professional responsibility to advocate for and uphold the dignity and rights of those they serve.