What are ethics?

What are ethics?

• A. The unwritten rules of what people expect
• B. A formal list of rules everyone must follow
• C. The knowledge of what is right and wrong; helps guide conduct
• D. A set of legal penalties for wrongdoing

Answer: (C)

Ethics are beliefs about what is right and wrong that guide how we behave and make decisions. In caregiving, ethics shape actions like respecting a patient’s dignity and privacy, honoring their autonomy, and acting in their best interests—even when options are difficult or there’s pressure to cut corners. They provide a standard for professional conduct that goes beyond merely following rules or laws. Etiquette covers unwritten social expectations, not professional obligations; formal rules are policies about required procedures; laws describe prohibited acts and penalties. Ethics sit in between, offering the standards that govern how you decide what is right to do in caregiving situations.

Ethics are beliefs about what is right and wrong that guide how we behave and make decisions. In caregiving, ethics shape actions like respecting a patient’s dignity and privacy, honoring their autonomy, and acting in their best interests—even when options are difficult or there’s pressure to cut corners. They provide a standard for professional conduct that goes beyond merely following rules or laws. Etiquette covers unwritten social expectations, not professional obligations; formal rules are policies about required procedures; laws describe prohibited acts and penalties. Ethics sit in between, offering the standards that govern how you decide what is right to do in caregiving situations.