Assessment 03 – Applying Ethical Principles
Case Study: Conscientious Objection and Professional Responsibility
Nurse Amelia Brooks, a dedicated and experienced nurse at Riverside Medical Center, has always been known for her commitment to patient care. However, she finds herself in a moral quandary when Dr. Rebecca Martin, the leading obstetrician at the center, asks her to assist in an elective abortion procedure for a patient named Sophie Turner, a 24-year-old graduate student.
Amelia holds strong personal beliefs against abortion due to her religious upbringing. She feels that participating in the procedure would violate her conscience and deeply held moral convictions. However, she also recognizes her professional responsibility to provide care without discrimination and to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of her patients.
The principle of autonomy emphasizes the importance of individual choice and freedom. In this context, it applies both to Sophie’s right to make decisions about her own body and to Amelia’s right to act in line with her personal beliefs. The principle of professional responsibility, on the other hand, underscores Amelia’s duty to provide care and uphold the standards of her profession. Balancing these principles is the concept of non-maleficence, which emphasizes the commitment to “do no harm.” Amelia grapples with what “harm” means in this context: harm to the patient by potentially denying care or harm to herself by violating her conscience.
Case Study: Genetic Testing and Patient Autonomy
Dr. Leonard Harper, a seasoned geneticist at Hillside Medical Center, has always been an advocate for patient autonomy. One day, he is approached by Mrs. Clara Bennett, a 38-year-old literature professor, who is expecting her first child. Clara, having heard about the advancements in prenatal genetic testing, wishes to undergo the procedure to determine if her unborn child has any genetic disorders. She’s particularly concerned due to her age and a family history of genetic anomalies.
After conducting the necessary tests, the results reveal a high likelihood that the child will have Down syndrome. Dr. Harper schedules a private consultation with Clara to discuss the findings. During the meeting, Clara, visibly distressed, makes an unexpected request. She asks Dr. Harper to withhold the results from her husband, Lt. Jack Bennett, a naval officer currently stationed overseas. Clara fears how Jack, who is eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child, might react to the news. She’s concerned that it might add undue stress to his already demanding and dangerous job.
Dr. Harper finds himself in a profound ethical dilemma. On one hand, he respects Clara’s autonomy and her right to decide when and how the information is shared. On the other hand, he believes in the importance of open communication, especially in matters that affect family dynamics and decision-making. He worries about the strain this secret might place on the Bennetts’ marriage and the potential implications for future medical decisions regarding the child.
Applying Ethical Principles Scoring Guide
CRITERIA NON-PERFORMANCE BASIC PROFICIENT DISTINGUISHED
Summarize the facts of a case study using peer-reviewed journal articles as evidence to support analysis of the case.
Does not summarize the facts of a case study using peer-reviewed journal articles as evidence to support analysis of the case.
Identifies the facts of the case study using peer-reviewed journal articles as evidence to support analysis of the case.
Summarizes the facts of a case study using peer-reviewed journal articles as evidence to support analysis of the case.
Assesses the facts of the case study using peer-reviewed journal articles as evidence to support analysis of the case, including reasons why the chosen articles support the analysis.
Discuss the effectiveness of the communication approaches present in a case study.
Does not discuss the effectiveness of the communication approaches present in a case study.
Describes the communication approaches present in a case study.
Discusses the effectiveness of the communication approaches present in a case study.
Discusses the effectiveness of the communication approaches present in a case study, explaining which approaches should be used more and which should be avoided.
Discuss the effectiveness of the approach used by the professional in a case study as it relates to the three components of the ethical decision-making model.
Describes the approach used by the professional in the case study as it relates to the ethical decision-making model.
Discusses the effectiveness of the approach used by the professional in a case study as it relates to the three components of the ethical decision-making model.
Discusses the effectiveness of the approach used by the professional in the case study as it relates to the ethical decision-making model, including consequences of using effective and noneffective approaches.
Apply ethical principles to a possible solution to the proposed problem or issue from a case study.
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Writing Guide:
Introduction:
Identify which case study you selected and briefly summarize the facts surrounding it.
Ethical Decision-Making Model:
Access the Ethical Decision-Making Model media piece and use the three components of the ethical decision-making model (moral awareness, moral judgment, and ethical behavior) to analyze the ethical issues.
Apply the three components outlined in the Ethical Decision-Making Model media.
Case Study Analysis:
Summarize the facts in the selected case study.
Identify the problem or issue that presents an ethical dilemma or challenge and describe that dilemma or challenge.
Identify who is involved or affected by the ethical problem or issue.
Analyze the factors that contributed to the ethical problem or issue identified in the case study.
Describe the factors that contributed to the problem or issue and explain how they contributed.
Literature Review:
In addition to the readings provided, use the Capella library to locate at least one academic peer-reviewed journal article relevant to the problem or issue.
Cite and apply key principles from the journal article as evidence to support your critical thinking and analysis of the ethical problem or issue.
Review the Think Critically About Source Quality resource.
Assess the credibility and relevance of the information source.
Communication in the Case Study:
Discuss the effectiveness of the communication approaches present in a case study.
Describe how the health care professional in the case study communicated with others.
Assess instances where the professional communicated effectively or ineffectively.
Explain which communication approaches should be used and which ones should be avoided.
Describe the consequences of using effective and non-effective communication approaches.
Actions Taken and Lessons Learned:
Discuss the effectiveness of the approach used by a professional to deal with problems or issues involving ethical practice in a case study.
Describe the actions taken in response to the ethical dilemma or issue presented in the case study.
Summarize how well the professional managed professional responsibilities and priorities to resolve the problem or issue in the case.
Discuss the key lessons this case provides for health care professionals.
Proposed Solution and Conclusion:
Apply ethical principles to a possible solution to an ethical problem or issue described in a case study.
Describe the proposed solution.
Discuss how the approach makes this professional more effective or less effective in building relationships across disciplines within his or her organization.
Discuss how likely it is the proposed solution will foster professional collaboration.
Writing Style and APA Formatting:
Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
Apply the principles of effective composition.
Determine the proper application of the rules of grammar and mechanics.
Write using APA style for in-text citations, quotes, and references.
Determine the proper application of APA formatting requirements and scholarly writing standards.
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Ethical Dilemmas in Pediatric Healthcare: An In-Depth Case Study Analysis
Introduction
Within healthcare, ethical principles serve as guiding beacons for practitioners facing complex decision-making scenarios. This article scrutinizes a pertinent case study where a seasoned pediatric nurse, Betsy, grapples with an ethical dilemma arising from the clash between religious beliefs and perceived urgent medical needs. The analysis unfolds by scrutinizing ethical issues, applying a decision-making model, assessing communication strategies, and proposing a resolution grounded in fundamental healthcare ethics.
Ethical Principles in Contemporary Healthcare
The enduring relevance of the four cardinal principles in healthcare ethics—autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice—provides a robust framework for navigating intricate ethical situations. Autonomy respects patient values, beneficence promotes patient welfare, nonmaleficence emphasizes harm avoidance, and justice underscores fair and unbiased treatment. These principles collectively underpin ethical decision-making within the healthcare domain.
Case Study Overview
Betsy, a dedicated pediatric nurse, confronts a challenging situation when her neighbor’s child, Shirley, exhibits what seems to be seizures. Shirley’s parents, adherents of Christian Science, rely on spiritual healing, eschewing medical intervention. Despite Shirley’s apparent improvement through prayer, Betsy discerns the necessity for a medical diagnosis. A pivotal meeting involving Shirley’s parents and Dr. Campbell, the neurology department director, ensues to address this ethical quandary.
Analysis of Ethical Issues
The ethical predicament surfaces from Shirley’s parents rejecting medical assistance due to religious beliefs, prompting Betsy to weigh the respect for autonomy against her duty as a healthcare professional. Recognizing potential harm to Shirley’s health, Betsy grapples with the moral conflict of honoring religious beliefs while ensuring the child receives appropriate medical attention.
Ethical Decision-Making Model
Applying the ethical decision-making model entails navigating moral awareness, judgment, and behavior. Betsy exhibits moral awareness by recognizing the ethical dilemma, exercises judgment by attempting to persuade Shirley’s parents, and engages in ethical behavior through open communication while respecting parental autonomy.
Effective Communication Approaches
Effective communication, a cornerstone of healthcare decision-making, becomes pivotal in Betsy’s efforts. Active listening helps her comprehend the parents’ perspective, and open communication emphasizes the potential consequences of seizures on Shirley’s health. Despite these endeavors, Shirley’s parents remain steadfast in their faith, underscoring the intricate balance between respecting autonomy and safeguarding the child’s welfare.
Resolving the Ethical Dilemma
The proposed resolution involves adhering to the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence. While respecting autonomy is paramount, Betsy may consider Child Protective Services as a last resort to ensure Shirley’s well-being if her health is jeopardized by parental refusal of medical intervention.
Conclusion
In ethical dilemmas, healthcare professionals must delicately balance respect for autonomy with the imperative to promote patient welfare and avert harm. The Betsy and Shirley case highlights the nuanced challenges inherent in such situations, emphasizing the need for thoughtful application of ethical principles to achieve resolutions prioritizing patient well-being. Healthcare practitioners can glean valuable insights from this case, reinforcing the significance of effective communication and ethical decision-making in delivering patient-centered care.
References:
Baumrucker, S. J., Easterday, J., Stolick, M., McCall-Burton, M., Adkins, R. W., Winiger, D., & Cook, C. (2017). Ethics roundtable: Parental autonomy and the minor patient. American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 34(3), 287–292. http://journals.sagepub.com.library.capella.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/1049909115608812
Capella University (2018). NHS-FP4000 Exemplar Sample Ethical Case Study. Capella Website: xxx.
