Includes bibliographical references and index.

The moral significance of nursing -- Models of professional relationships -- Self-interest morality -- Virtue ethics in nursing -- Consequentialist of utilitarian ethics -- Duty-based ethics : universal moral principles -- Rights-based ethics -- Ethical decision making in nursing -- Nursing ethics in the procreative family -- Ethics and the problem of abortion -- Ethical issues in the nursing care of infants -- Ethical issues in the nursing care of children -- Ethical issues in the nursing care of adolescents -- Ethical issues in the nursing care of adults -- Ethical issues in the nursing care of the elderly -- Ethical issues in the nursing care of the dying.

This book outlines and applies philosophical guidelines that will assist any nurse in making ethically sound choices. Appropriate either as a guide for nursing students or as a reference for practicing nurses, Bandman & Bandman give readers a thorough, sound basis for understanding why the application of ethical principles is important in health care. Included are: Clinical case studies within each chapter to illustrate day-to-day ethical situations; Extensive coverage of current healthcare topics that have ethical ramifications such as euthanasia, assisted suicide, HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, and experimental medical treatments; "What If..." questions throughout the text to encourage critical thinking; Special ethics chapters that feature "Developmental Highlights," "Issues and Problems," and "Morally Reasoned Nursing Interventions." - Publisher.