Consider the “Four Topics Approach” (or Four Box method) to ethical decision making on page 61, Table 2.1 in Butts (below). Apply this model to a challenging situation in your nursing career that required you to consider the ethical dimensions of the patient case and the role you played in providing care. Specifically apply and address the questions within each topic area as they pertain to your situation.
In your conclusion, discuss the impact of the Four Topics process. Did applying these principles shape your decision making in any way? Does this seem like a valid process for you to apply in your practice?
Your paper should be 1-2 pages. Adhere to APA formatting throughout, and cite any outside sources you may use.
Review the rubric for further information on how your assignment will be graded.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Four Topics Approach to ethical decision making is an important tool for healthcare professionals to use in complex patient cases. This model helps guide professionals by providing a framework for evaluating ethical considerations. In this answer, a challenging situation in a medical career will be considered and the Four Topics Approach will be applied. The impact of this model on decision making and the validity of this process for clinical practice will also be discussed.
Answer:
In my career as a medical professional, I encountered a challenging situation where ethical considerations played a major role. I was caring for a terminally ill patient who was in extreme pain due to his condition. The patient had requested a higher dose of pain medication that was beyond what was medically recommended. This request put me in a difficult situation, where I had to balance the patient’s needs for pain relief with the potential risks associated with administering a higher dose of medication.
Topic 1: Medical Indications
The first step in the Four Topics Approach asks us to consider the patient’s medical indications. In this case, the patient was in extreme pain and required pain relief. However, the requested dose of medication was beyond what was medically recommended and could result in harmful side effects. Based on this consideration, I had to weigh the potential benefits and risks associated with the suggested treatment.
Topic 2: Patient Preferences
The second consideration of the Four Topics Approach is to consider the patient’s preferences. In this case, the patient requested a higher dose of medication because he wanted to alleviate his pain and improve his quality of life. As a healthcare professional, I also had to take into account the patient’s autonomy and ensure that his wishes were respected.
Topic 3: Quality of Life
The third consideration of the Four Topics Approach is the quality of the patient’s life. In this case, the patient was already struggling with a terminal illness that had severely impacted his quality of life. Pain management was crucial to improving the patient’s quality of life, which needed to be taken into consideration while making decisions.
Topic 4: Contextual Features
The last consideration in the Four Topics Approach is contextual features. In this case, it was important to take into account the patient’s cultural and religious background, as well as his family’s wishes. It was also necessary to consider both short-term and long-term consequences of the decision made.
Conclusion:
Applying the Four Topics Approach was valuable in this decision-making process, as it gave me a systematic way to consider the ethical dimensions of the case. This process helped me to weigh the potential benefits and risks associated with administering a higher dose of medication. Additionally, it helped me to respect the autonomy of the patient, while also considering the importance of pain management in improving his quality of life. Overall, the Four Topics Approach is a valid process that healthcare professionals can use in their practice to ensure patient-centered care.
