Which of the following should be the basis of ethical decision-making in healthcare?

• A. Emotion and Intuition
• B. Previous Ways the Situation Has Been Handled
• C. Personal Morals
• D. Professional Guiding Principles

Answer: (D)

Decision-making in healthcare ethics should be guided by professional guiding principles that come from recognized codes of ethics and standards of practice. These principles, such as those found in nursing and healthcare codes of ethics, provide a consistent framework that integrates patient rights, duties to the patient, and legal and institutional requirements. They help clinicians weigh competing values—like benefiting the patient, avoiding harm, respecting autonomy, and promoting fairness—in a clear, defensible way. Relying on emotion or intuition can lead to inconsistent care because feelings vary and can be biased. Basing decisions on how a situation was handled before may simply repeat past errors or overlook new evidence and evolving standards. Personal morals, while important, can conflict with professional obligations and patient rights. Using professional guiding principles keeps practice aligned with established, shared expectations, supporting ethical, trustworthy care for all patients.