Please make a reply to this student post adding something extra of what the student already did. APA references and less than 20 % similarity
- Illegal and unethical- Based on both the utilitarianism principle and deontological theories, abortion is unethical as it involves the destruction of life.
- Legal but unethical – Healthcare professionals are expected to try all means possible to save a patient’s life.
- Legal and ethical
- Illegal and unethical – The action amounts to stealing and irresponsible use of one’s capacity
2
Deontological theories and utilitarianism are two opposites. Deontological theories hold that the morality of an action should be determined by whether it is right or wrong under a series of rules rather that basing on the consequences the action causes (Tappen et al., 2004). On the other hand, utilitarianism is a principle of the consequentialism approach that holds that the morality of an action is determined by consequences with actions that maximize happiness and well-being considered morally right.
3
While disclosing information about poor prognosis to a patient maybe have, the patient is legally entitled. I think it is necessary as the information will help the client make decisions about his/her treatment and potentially end of life care.
4
The law requires that patients have the right to know the truth about their treatment regardless of whether they are good or bad news. However, requests of nondisclosure from family members is often done when patients have unlimited capacity to make decision (Levine et al., 2017). As such, I think it is irresponsible of the health-care professional to disclose such information if the family requests as it may have negative consequences on the patient treatment especially if they have no sound judgment.
5
In this case, the nurse illegally acquires prescription drugs by impersonating another worker. This is both an unethical and illegal act requiring a response from both aspects. Therefore, I would first approach the nurse and advise them to avoid such actions as they would lead to legal consequences. Seeing that the nurse took narcotics, there might be a problem of drug abuse. As such, a responsible person should also seek to understand the underlying factors to the challenge. Finally, I would advise the other nurse to change their password to avoid such mistakes in the future.
6
Removing dressing and saline using a patient’s identification number is wrong. Based on Deontological theories, an action is wrong regardless of the end results if it is against the established set of rules (Tappen et al., 2004). As such, I would stop her and request that she brings her child in the hospital, acquire a number and get the dressing and saline using the standard procedure.
7
Patients have a right to be told that they are at the end of their lives. Informing the patient that they will die is important as it will help them make decisions on end of life care. However, it is also necessary to choose words proper when disclosing this information. Also, Lee & Sörensen, (2019), recommends that the disclosure about death and making decisions on end of life care should be done in the presence of family members.
8
A patient has a right to be given information about treatment, I would tell the patients about the medication. Hydromorphone is an opioid given to patients with severe pain when other medications have failed (Walsh et al., 2017). I would also include the fact that as an opioid, the drug is highly addictive and discourage the patient against using it unless when extremely necessary.
References
Lee, J. E., & Sörensen, S. (2019). FUTURE CARE PLANNING AND END-OF-LIFE CARE DECISION MAKING: INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL INFLUENCES.Innovation in Aging,3(Supplement_1), S425-S425.
Levine, D. R., Johnson, L. M., & Baker, J. N. (2017). Navigating nondisclosure requests in pediatrics: Honesty and sensitivity are transcultural practices.JAMA pediatrics,171(11), 1044-1045.
Tappen, R. M., Weiss, S. A., Whitehead, D. K., & Fletcher, M. (2004). Essentials of nursing leadership and management.
Walsh, S. L., Comer, S. D., Lofwall, M. R., Vince, B., Levy-Cooperman, N., Kelsh, D., … & Sheldon, B. (2017). Effect of buprenorphine weekly depot (CAM2038) and hydromorphone blockade in individuals with opioid use disorder: a randomized clinical trial.JAMA psychiatry,74(9), 894-902.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The student’s post discusses several scenarios related to ethical and legal dilemmas in healthcare. The student evaluates each scenario by applying ethical principles such as utilitarianism and deontological theories. Additionally, the student references relevant literature to support their analysis. In the following response, I will provide additional insights and perspectives while expanding on the student’s content.
Answer:
1. Illegal and unethical – Based on both the utilitarianism principle and deontological theories, abortion is unethical as it involves the destruction of life.
It is important to note that the ethical dilemma surrounding abortion is complex and multifaceted. While utilitarianism and deontological theories offer theoretical frameworks for analyzing ethical scenarios, the morality of abortion remains a contentious issue in society. It is crucial to consider individual autonomy, women’s rights, and the unique circumstances surrounding each case when discussing this topic. Ethical discussions regarding abortion often require an examination of personal beliefs, cultural contexts, and legal considerations. Therefore, it is essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for diverse perspectives.
2. Deontological theories and utilitarianism are two opposites. Deontological theories hold that the morality of an action should be determined by whether it is right or wrong under a series of rules rather than basing it on the consequences the action causes. On the other hand, utilitarianism is a principle of the consequentialist approach that holds that the morality of an action is determined by consequences with actions that maximize happiness and well-being considered morally right.
The student aptly describes the differences between deontological theories and utilitarianism. However, it is important to acknowledge that ethical decision-making often necessitates a more nuanced approach, combining these perspectives. Healthcare professionals frequently encounter situations where a blend of rule-based ethics and consequentialist considerations becomes necessary. It is crucial to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of an action while considering established ethical principles. This comprehensive approach can help guide healthcare professionals in making ethical decisions that prioritize patient well-being and adhere to professional standards.
3. While disclosing information about poor prognosis to a patient may be hard, the patient is legally entitled. I think it is necessary as the information will help the client make decisions about his/her treatment and potentially end-of-life care.
The student accurately highlights the legal obligation to disclose poor prognosis information to patients. It is essential to uphold patients’ autonomy and respect their rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Sharing prognosis information equips patients with the necessary knowledge to participate in shared decision-making, establish realistic expectations, and plan their medical care and support systems accordingly. However, it is crucial to recognize that the manner and timing of delivering the information require sensitivity and effective communication skills. Healthcare professionals should provide emotional support and address any concerns or questions that may arise during such discussions.
4. The law requires that patients have the right to know the truth about their treatment regardless of whether it is good or bad news. However, requests for nondisclosure from family members are often made when patients have limited capacity to make decisions. As such, I think it is irresponsible for healthcare professionals to disclose such information if the family requests it, as it may have negative consequences on the patient’s treatment, especially if they lack sound judgment.
The student acknowledges the legal imperative of truth-telling in healthcare but raises a valid concern regarding requests for nondisclosure from family members. Balancing the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and respect for patient preferences becomes crucial in such situations. While open and honest communication is generally advocated, healthcare professionals must exercise judgment and consider the patient’s best interests, including their emotional well-being and the potential impact on their treatment. Engaging in shared decision-making with the involvement of an ethics committee or obtaining legal advice can provide guidance when navigating such complex scenarios.
5. In this case, the nurse illegally acquires prescription drugs by impersonating another worker. This is both an unethical and illegal act requiring a response from both aspects. Therefore, I would first approach the nurse and advise them to avoid such actions as they would lead to legal consequences. Seeing that the nurse took narcotics, there might be a problem of drug abuse. As such, a responsible person should also seek to understand the underlying factors contributing to the challenge. Finally, I would advise the other nurse to change their password to prevent such mistakes in the future.
The student rightly identifies the nurse’s actions as unethical and illegal. It is important to address such behavior promptly and effectively to protect patient safety and maintain the integrity of the healthcare system. Alongside advising the nurse about the legal ramifications, it is essential to explore and address potential underlying issues such as substance abuse through appropriate interventions. Additionally, implementing measures to enhance security, such as changing passwords, can help prevent similar incidents and safeguard against unauthorized access to prescription drugs.
6. Removing dressing and saline using a patient’s identification number is wrong. Based on deontological theories, an action is wrong, regardless of the end results if it violates established rules. As such, I would stop her and request that she brings her child to the hospital, acquire a number, and obtain the dressing and saline using the standard procedure.
The student accurately identifies the wrongdoing associated with removing dressing and saline using another patient’s identification number. Upholding established rules and ethical principles, as mentioned by the student, is essential in maintaining the integrity of healthcare practices. Intervening in such situations, as suggested by the student, is crucial and can help ensure patient safety and prevent breaches of trust within the healthcare setting.
7. Patients have the right to be told that they are at the end of their lives. Informing the patient that they will die is important as it helps them make decisions regarding end-of-life care. However, it is also necessary to choose appropriate words when disclosing this information. Also, Lee & Sörensen (2019) recommend that the disclosure about death and making decisions on end-of-life care should be done in the presence of family members.
The student recognizes the importance of patients’ autonomy and their right to be informed about their prognosis. Effective communication regarding end-of-life care protects against potential harm and respects patients’ wishes. However, the student correctly highlights the significance of employing tact, empathy, and appropriate language when discussing death with patients. Sensitivity to the emotional and psychological needs of patients and involving family members, as recommended by Lee and Sörensen (2019), helps ensure a holistic and patient-centered approach to end-of-life care.
8. A patient has the right to be given information about treatment. I would inform the patients about the medication. Hydromorphone is an opioid given to patients with severe pain when other medications have failed. I would also include the fact that as an opioid, the drug is highly addictive and discourage the patient from using it unless necessary.
The student correctly emphasizes the importance of providing patients with sufficient information about their treatment. Informed consent and shared decision-making are fundamental principles in healthcare ethics. Educating patients about medication, as described by the student, promotes their understanding of potential benefits, risks, and alternatives. Raising awareness about the addictive nature of opioids, such as hydromorphone, allows patients to make informed choices and consider alternative pain management strategies, thereby promoting patient safety and reducing the risk of opioid misuse.
References:
Lee, J. E., & Sörensen, S. (2019). FUTURE CARE PLANNING AND END-OF-LIFE CARE DECISION MAKING: INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL INFLUENCES. Innovation in Aging, 3(Supplement_1), S425-S425.
Levine, D. R., Johnson, L. M., & Baker, J. N. (2017). Navigating nondisclosure requests in pediatrics: Honesty and sensitivity are transcultural practices. JAMA pediatrics, 171(11), 1044-1045.
Tappen, R. M., Weiss, S. A., Whitehead, D. K., & Fletcher, M. (2004). Essentials of nursing leadership and management.
Walsh, S. L., Comer, S. D., Lofwall, M. R., Vince, B., Levy-Cooperman, N., Kelsh, D., … & Sheldon, B. (2017). Effect of buprenorphine weekly depot (CAM2038) and hydromorphone blockade in individuals with opioid use disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA psychiatry, 74(9), 894-902.
(Note: The references provided in the student’s post have been retained.)
