Learning objectives
- To understand the significance of ethical dilemmas in health practice.
- To apply ethical theories in nursing.
- To understand the importance of ethical principles in healthcare.
- To develop evidence-based nursing concepts.
- To appreciate the importance of multidisciplinary teams in medical practice.
Introduction
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) encounter numerous ethical challenges.
- Such predicaments can affect the nature of care delivery.
- NPS should be ready to address the ethical concerns affecting their practices (Wagner & Dahnke, 2015).
- This presentation gives a detailed summary of a clinical ethical dilemma.
- The outline describes how the ethical issue was addressed.
Clinical ethical situation
- The ethical dilemma was a suicide attempt.
- The situation involved a teenage boy aged 14 years.
- The teenager took large doses of drugs.
- The situation was challenging due to the family’s religious foundations.
- The ultimate goal was to support the patient and his family.
Ethical dilemma characteristics
- The patient was having communication problems with his peers.
- The boy chose to commit suicide.
- However, he did not want his parents to be informed about the situation.
- The religious beliefs of the family were against any form of suicide.
- The parents found it hard to forgive their son.
Ethical principle violated
- The outstanding principle violated in the situation is supporting and respecting a client’s religious beliefs (Parahoo, 2014).
- The teenager did not want his situation disclosed.
- The practitioner chose to inform the parents about the situation.
- The scenario presented a greater challenge.
- The parents could not believe what had happened.
Barriers to ethical practice
- NPS should uphold and respect their clients’ religious values.
- The ethical practice could not be upheld due to the nature of the situation.
- Failure to disclose the right information could catalyze more suicide attempts.
- It would be wrong to tell lies to the parents.
- These barriers forced the NP to make the most appropriate decision.
The ethical theory used to influence the situation as an FNP
- Utilitarian theory informed the decision undertaken by the practitioner.
- The theory supports happiness for the largest number of persons (Parahoo, 2014).
- It was appropriate to support the patient’s healing process.
- Informing the parents would encourage them to support the process.
- The ultimate goal was to ensure the teenager was supported psychologically.
Self-reflection: Emotions, thoughts, and overall reaction
- This ethical dilemma explains why nurses should maximize health outcomes.
- Patients might focus on their family values and ignore their health conditions.
- Religious beliefs are critical in healthcare practice.
- The scenario encouraged me to play the role of an advocate.
- I appreciated the importance of collaboration and multidisciplinary teams to deliver quality care (Wagner & Dahnke, 2015).
Handling a similar situation as an FNP
- Utilitarianism is a concept that seeks to maximize happiness for all.
- FNPs should always be ready to address the health needs of their clients.
- I would therefore address a similar situation using the same approach.
- The ultimate goal is to support the health of my client.
- The involvement of different professionals can create a neutral ground and promote better health outcomes (Ma, Batterham, Calear, & Han, 2016).
Conclusion
- Religious beliefs are critical in healthcare.
- FNPs must uphold the best principles and values.
- Evidence-based ideas can guide FNPs to deal with ethical dilemmas.
- Ethical dilemmas should empower NPs to become better caregivers.
- The inclusion of more persons in the care delivery process maximizes patient outcomes (Ma et al., 2016).
References
Ma, J., Batterham, J., Calear, L., & Han, J. (2016). A systematic review of the predictions of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior. Clinical Psychology Review, 46(1), 34-45. Web.
Parahoo, K. (2014). Nursing research: Principles, process and issues (3d ed.). New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Wagner, M., & Dahnke, D. (2015). Nursing ethics and disaster triage: Applying utilitarian ethical theory. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 41(4), 300-306. Web.