Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

Moral distress in nursing refers to the conflict that arises when a nurse knows the ethically appropriate action to take but is unable to act upon it due to various constraints. This could involve institutional policies, lack of support, or conflicting responsibilities that prevent the nurse from providing the care they believe is best for the patient. In such situations, the nurse experiences feelings of frustration, powerlessness, and guilt for not being able to fulfill their moral obligations to the patient.

Understanding moral distress is crucial for nurses, as it can impact their mental well-being and job satisfaction. It highlights the complexity of ethical decision-making in healthcare, where nurses often have to navigate difficult choices that challenge their professional values and personal ethics.

In contrast, feelings of happiness at work do not align with the concept of moral distress. Similarly, a lack of concern for patient care describes a different issue related to professional conduct and attitudes rather than ethical conflict. Lastly, a decision made without patient input could be ethically problematic and may contribute to moral distress, but it does not alone encapsulate the feelings and conflicts associated with moral distress itself.