Students and professionals alike have utilized this dynamic resource to apply legal and ethical decision-making to the complex issues which affect their practice. Now, this highly praised text has been updated to include the latest trends, principles, theories and models that serve as guides for ethically sound behavior in contemporary nursing care. With real-world examples like Hurricane Katrina and the Schiavo case, chapter concepts are naturally applied to the practice setting. Critical thinking examples and exercises challenge the reader through self-reflection. Considering the context of complexities created by scientific and technological advances, client diversity, and various practice settings, this text emphasizes the importance of moral action in personal and professional situations. Benefits: * NEW New discussions on current controversial issues such as stem cell research and cloning in chapter 10. * Comprehensive coverage includes ethical issues in health policy, economics, social, gender, transcultural and spiritual considerations * Expanded Internet resources allow the reader to further explore chapter concepts * A historical foundation is offered as topics are presented to promote a thorough understanding of the issues * NEW Restructured Decision Making Model is more precise and easier to use * NEW Expanded discussion of HIPAA regulations related to research and technology and patient care * NEW Current and well known cases related to self-determination have been added to present real-world examples * NEW New section on moral reckoning and its implications, including suggestions for nursing practice in chapter 6. * NEW A discussion of the global impact of diseases such as HIV is included * Ask Yourself boxed articles present real world ethical dilemmas that encourage contemplation of personal beliefs and biases * Think About It discussion questions challenge the reader to integrate and apply content * Personal and c.