State the ethical problem and significance to nursing
Peak et al. (2012) developed a conventional decision-making model to provide a comprehensive solution to ethical issues in nursing. The model was established after the systematic review of high-quality peer-reviewed research articles. The model proposed a six-step logical process on how to handle the ethical issues that require evaluation of the laws, ethical principles and rationality. Applying the ethical decision-making model is, therefore, necessary to ensure patient safety, incorporate all the stakeholders and promote positive care outcomes.
State the ethical problem and significance to nursing
A 16-year-old patient called Antony has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. The physician has explained to the parents that the child should be put on antibiotics for full recovery and avoidance of complications. The physician further clarified the dangers of leaving the young man untreated. Nonetheless, Antony’s persistently refused treatment of their son. A mental examination showed no evidence of mental disorder or alteration, which may have contributed to the decision. It was later discovered that Antony’s brother had died two years earlier as a result of anaphylaxis after taking penicillin. The parents, therefore, feared that Antony, their only remaining son may also die after administration of antibiotics. This is an ethical issue of autonomy and beneficence. To promote positive healthcare development of the minor, he must receive an antibiotic. Denial of this opportunity would result in harm. Consequently, the principle of autonomy empowers the parents to make medical decision on behalf of their son, who is a minor (Ramsey, 2016). Besides, the current scenario is also a legal issue of competence. An adult patient has the right to refuse treatment without any elaborate explanation (Ramsey, 2016). However, a court of law may limit and override this right to preserve life or prevent suicide. However, for a minor, parents can decide on their children’s behalf.
Collect and Analyze additional information.
In the current case scenario, Antony is the direct recipient of the treatment. However, parents have entirely dominated the process of making a decision. The parents are currently the third party since they are not the recipients of the drug. The doctors have direct responsibility for saving the life of the boy. After their evaluation, they have prescribed penicillin as the best treatment regimen. The parents who are the legal decision-makers for this child have a right to refuse the administration of penicillin. However, the state may override the rights of parents to save the life of the minor. An analysis of vital information, therefore, shows that the current case is both an ethical and legal issue (Park, 2012).
The population in this server is Antony, who is the patient. The fundamental stakeholders include patient, the family (parents), physicians and caregivers (nurse) (Park, 2012). The essential information required to overcome the problem is the education of the parents to enhance their acceptance of penicillin and allow the physicians to continue. However, due to their perception and fears, they have adamantly refused this treatment. However, after a comprehensive evaluation of the additional information, the problem was adequately stated hence the need for better and more efficient solutions (Park, 2012).
There are alternative for analysis and comparison before making the ultimate decision. To administer the treatment and result in positive healthcare outcomes, the physicians may continue to persuade the parents to change their decision about the procedure (Ramsey, 2016). This may happen after the parents ascertain their child is not allergic to penicillin. The second alternative is for the doctors to seek a lawyer or present a petition in court to compel parents to change their decision and allow treatment of their son. The last available option is to apply utilitarianism by giving Antony the drug forcefully under the principle of beneficence (Park, 2012). To make an appropriate decision, the physicians may utilize the Options, Outcomes, Value likelihood (OOVL) guide. The physicians may also wait for the physicians’ decision before beginning the treatment.
The best decision
The best decision is taking the issue to a court of law. The physicians should then abide by the ruling. Because of the nature of the case, parents are the third party who is not supposed to risk the life of their son due to baseless. There are high chances that a court of law would grant the physicians the authority to proceed with the medication. Waiting for the court decision is not only ethical but also legal. Forcefully administering the drug without the parent’s consent would be a breach of autonomy rights. The current choice is useful because it would ensure the principle of beneficence is preserved for the patient and the parents’ autonomy is also legally addressed. Ethical principles must always be observed for high-quality patient care since infringement may result in legal implications on the offender.
For the vulnerable populations, it would be fundamental for them to understand that it is the physicians who clearly understand the patient’s condition, how it should be treated, the best medication and the associated side effects. The physician, therefore, goes up to the extreme cases to ensure their patients recover. The patients should build their trust in healthcare practitioners since they are willing to be on the frontline to ensure patients regain their health. The best possible advice is that the stakeholder who includes the patient families should carefully listen to the physician‘s perspectives before remaining adamant on their decisions
In conclusion, the ethical decision-making model is both a rational and logical of tackling ethical and legal issues in nursing. It is not only simple but also useful in exploring the populations it serves, the stakeholders involved, the alternative and the best decision to make in such circumstances. Nurses and other healthcare professionals should, therefore, utilize this model to foster high quality legal and ethical practice.
References
Park, E. (2012). ‘An integrated ethical decision-making model for nurses.’ Nursing Ethics. Vol 19, Issue 1, pp. 139 – 159. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733011413491
Ramsey, D. (2016). Right To Refuse Lifesaving Treatment. LEGAL. Retrieved from https://death.uslegal.com/right-to-refuse-lifesaving-treatment/