A dimensão ética do agir e as questões da qualidade colocadas face aos cuidados de enfermagem

In this article we seek to reflect on the ethical dimension of nursing action and the quality of health care provided. We analysed the predominant principles exposed to reflection, aiming to improve ever more complex decision-making processes. We highlight the ethics of care, whose perspective reflects a special meaning in the relationships it establishes. To talk about the ethical dimension of action, when the dehumanization of contexts and professional relationships has already become a growing source of concern, leads one to enquire about the quality of nursing care. These instances of care developed on the basis of the respect for the, dignity, and human rights, should be considered a guarantee of the defence of human freedoms. Only in such a perspective does it make sense to evoke the quality of health care. The ethical dimension assumes particular relevance in the health care decision-making process and its clarification and assumption by nurses, in their professional behaviour, becomes imperative.