Choose a patient-care situation in which the RN should intervene and advocate for the patient. An example of such a situation might be when a patient has not been given complete informed consent.
Include the following in your paper:
Describe the clinical situation concisely and descriptively. It can be an actual situation or a hypothetical one.
Apply the Bioethical Decision Making Model to the specific clinical ethical situation that you choose. Address each section of the model in your paper.
- Conclude with a discussion of nursing advocacy in the clinical setting and the nurse’s role as a patient advocate.
How to solve
MDC RN Patient Intervention And Advocacy Paper
Introduction:
In the healthcare field, it is essential for healthcare providers, including registered nurses (RNs), to be able to identify situations where they need to intervene and advocate for their patients. This paper will discuss a patient-care situation in which an RN should intervene and advocate for the patient. The chosen situation will be analyzed using the Bioethical Decision Making Model, and the role of nursing advocacy in the clinical setting will also be explored.
Patient-Care Situation:
In this hypothetical scenario, a patient with a chronic condition requiring surgery has been admitted to the hospital. The healthcare team has discussed the surgical procedure and the potential risks and benefits involved. However, due to a communication breakdown, the patient has not been provided with complete information and has not given informed consent for the surgery.
Bioethical Decision Making Model:
1. Identify the Ethical Dilemma:
The ethical dilemma in this situation is the lack of complete informed consent for the surgical procedure.
2. Gather Relevant Information:
The RN should gather all the necessary information related to the surgery, including the risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential complications. They should also review the patient’s medical history and any additional information that could affect the patient’s decision.
3. Identify Ethical Principles:
In this scenario, the ethical principles involved are autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make informed decisions regarding their own healthcare. Beneficence entails promoting the patient’s well-being and providing them with accurate information. Non-maleficence emphasizes avoiding harm to the patient.
4. Generate and Evaluate Options:
The RN should explore various options to rectify the situation. This may involve informing the healthcare team about the lack of informed consent, discussing the situation with the patient, and involving an ethics committee if necessary. The potential consequences of each option should be considered, including legal implications and patient outcomes.
5. Make a Decision:
Based on the information gathered and the evaluation of options, the RN should make a decision that aligns with ethical principles and prioritizes the patient’s best interests. This decision may involve advocating for the patient’s right to complete informed consent and ensuring that proper communication is established.
Nursing Advocacy and Role as a Patient Advocate:
Nursing advocacy in the clinical setting is a crucial component of patient care. RNs are at the forefront of patient interactions and play a vital role in ensuring patient rights, safety, and well-being. In the scenario described, the nurse’s role as a patient advocate would involve recognizing the deficiency in informed consent, advocating for the patient’s right to be fully informed about the surgical procedure, and facilitating communication between the patient and the healthcare team.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is essential for RNs to be able to identify situations where they need to intervene and advocate for their patients. In the scenario discussed, the lack of complete informed consent necessitates the nurse’s intervention and advocacy. By applying the Bioethical Decision Making Model, the nurse can address the ethical principles involved and make a decision that prioritizes patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Nursing advocacy plays a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the care and information they need, thereby promoting patient safety, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
