Module 9: Legal and Ethical 

🎯 Module Objectives 

1. Describe which types of ethical and legal issues impact perioperative nurses. 
2. Explain the steps in resolving ethical issues. 
3. Discuss how nurses advocate for patients in the operating room. 
4. List five common areas for perioperative liability. 
5. Describe perioperative acts of negligence. 

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📖 Required Readings 

Canadian Journal of Bioethics, 2021, 4, 47-56. https://doi.org/10.7202/1077626ar  

Jones-Bonofiglio, K. & Aalzghoul, M. (2021). Into the grey zone: Retired nurses’ reflections on ethics in Canadian nursing practice 

American Association of Critical Care Nurses (2022) 

Moral Distress in Nursing: What You Need to Know. Moral Distress – AACN 

ORNAC Journal • March 2015, 30 –35. www.ORNAC.ca 

Murray, H. (2015). A reflective study on abortions in theatre. 

LaPresse Torstar, July 30, 2021. 

Ouelette-Vezina, H. (2021). Suspicious death in Laval hospital operating room. 

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Introduction 

Many of healthcare’s ethical dilemmas stem from the complexity of technological advances, society’s healthcare expectations, cultural factors, and legal considerations. Spiralling healthcare costs have led to controversies about how to make decisions about who will receive care and how the money will be spent. 

Nurses are often caught in the middle of these conflicts and face participating in difficult healthcare decisions. Studying ethical principles provides a basis for understanding where your values fit into these processes.