Ethical and Legal Issues Paper Nur391
Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing
NUR 391
October 28, 2013
Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing
Scenario #1 (Six Caps Critical Thinking Challenge)
After a review of the case study with Marianne, the ANA Code of Nursing Ethics would dictate that the nurse collaborate with and advocate for the family in the decision making process. It can be difficult and challenging to make ethical decisions when there are conflicting perspectives. The nurse may have values and beliefs that conflict with the patient’s values but must continue to “practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual” (ANA, 2001, p. 3). It is important for the nurse to know and understand their legal obligations as the patient advocate. They should also know who their resources are.
Nurses should work to assure that the relevant parties are involved and have a voice in decision-making about patient care issues. Nurses should see that the questions that need to be addressed are asked and that the information needed for informed decision-making is available and provided. (ANA, 2001, p. 5).
Although we know that the patient in this scenario did not have advance directives, it would be important to determine if the patient provided other directions for her care should she become incapacitated. Did she have a living will which plainly states her wishes for medical care? Does she have up to date do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in place? Was a power of attorney designated? Where all of the treatment options and consequences explained to the family in a way that they could understand so that they could make an informed decision about the best plan of care for this patient? Why was the surgeon recommending surgery when the outcome would probably not improve the quality of this patient’s life and may only make for a prolonged death? In keeping with the nurses code of ethics, the patient and/or family is to be given accurate, complete, and
NUR 391
October 28, 2013
Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing
Scenario #1 (Six Caps Critical Thinking Challenge)
After a review of the case study with Marianne, the ANA Code of Nursing Ethics would dictate that the nurse collaborate with and advocate for the family in the decision making process. It can be difficult and challenging to make ethical decisions when there are conflicting perspectives. The nurse may have values and beliefs that conflict with the patient’s values but must continue to “practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual” (ANA, 2001, p. 3). It is important for the nurse to know and understand their legal obligations as the patient advocate. They should also know who their resources are.
Nurses should work to assure that the relevant parties are involved and have a voice in decision-making about patient care issues. Nurses should see that the questions that need to be addressed are asked and that the information needed for informed decision-making is available and provided. (ANA, 2001, p. 5).
Although we know that the patient in this scenario did not have advance directives, it would be important to determine if the patient provided other directions for her care should she become incapacitated. Did she have a living will which plainly states her wishes for medical care? Does she have up to date do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in place? Was a power of attorney designated? Where all of the treatment options and consequences explained to the family in a way that they could understand so that they could make an informed decision about the best plan of care for this patient? Why was the surgeon recommending surgery when the outcome would probably not improve the quality of this patient’s life and may only make for a prolonged death? In keeping with the nurses code of ethics, the patient and/or family is to be given accurate, complete, and