The right to make rational decisions free from external pressures
ex. A radiographer may be put in the middle between a patient's wish to refuse an exam & a physician's order for an x-ray procedure
Autonomy
All acts must be meant to attain a good result or to be beneficial
ex. A radiographer may refuse to perform a procedure if it will harm the patient- even if it goes against the doctor's order or directions given to you by a co-worker
Beneficence
Medical information is to be kept private unless there is a direct threat to the patient or others
ex. A supervisor may have to tell a radiographer that the patient is HIV-positive prior to the start of a radiographic procedure
Confidentiality
Some actions may produce both good & bad effects
ex. Although exposure to radiation is harmful to the body, the information obtained may help restore the person to good health
Double Effect
The duty fo fulfill one's commitments; keeping promises
ex. A radiographer should not suggest to the patient that results of a test will be normal or promise something that cannot be achieved
Fidelity
Treating all persons equally
ex. Patients should be cared for with equal intent according to need, regardless of a radiographer's personal feelings toward the indiviual
Justice
To abstain from inflicting harm or to prevent harm
ex. A radiographer should act only within their scope of practice & provide care in a safe, effective manner
Nonmaleficence
Making decisions regarding care without consulting the person affected
ex. Patients should always be consulted whenever a decision affects their care, unless action is need to prevent immediate harm
Paternalism
Believing that no one has the right to judge another person's quality of life
ex. A radiographer cannot make life or death decisions for a patient or withhold care because of their feelings toward the worth or quality of a person's life
Sanctity of Life
Honesty & truthfulness in professional practice
ex. A radiographer may have to admit they made an error in caring for a patient, especially if that admission affects the quality of care
Veracity
Keeping patient's belongings safe & caring for the employer's property
ex. Patient's belongings are the responsibility of the radiographer & should be treated with care; care should be taken with equipment & other property of the employer