Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2012;12(1):37-47.

ISSUE Cover

Ethical Considerations in Pediatric Nursing

DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793201200005

Abstract

The principal aim of this article is to review ethical considerations related to the nursing care of children and their families. The literature and ethical standards that are reviewed are drawn primarily from a North American perspective. This provides Brazilian nursing readers with an opportunity to reflect on the merits and limitations of drawing on North American experience, and consider future directions for the ethical development of pediatric nursing in Brazil. The article begins with a description of the historical evolution of nursing ethics in North America, followed by a discussion of the leading ethical challenges confronted by pediatric nurses. The latter examines current issues regarding health care decision-making for children and families, including the operationalization of the best interests standard, as well as the involvement of children in informed consent and assent for treatment decisions. Several potential implications for the future development of pediatric nursing ethics in Brazil are outlined.