Pharmacology homework help
ETHICAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF PRESCRIBING DRUGS
AC is a 72-year-old male who is admitted to your ICU after suffering a massive stroke that has left him unresponsive and unable to communicate. He is currently on a ventilator. His wife of 48 years is available along with their one adult daughter. The wife informs you that they don’t have any advanced directives, but she is “pretty sure her husband would not want to live like this.” However, their daughter is adamant her dad would want to be kept alive in case there is any chance to come out of this
Explain the ethical and legal implications of the scenario you selected on all stakeholders involved, such as the prescriber, pharmacist, patient, and patient’s family.
Describe strategies to address disclosure and nondisclosure as identified in the scenario you selected. Be sure to reference laws specific to your state.
Explain two strategies that you, as an advanced practice nurse, would use to guide your decision making in this scenario, including whether you would disclose your error. Be sure to justify your explanation. Describe strategies for dealing with disclosure and nondisclosure issues as identified in the scenario you chose. Make sure to check the laws in your state.
Explain two strategies you would employ as an advanced practice nurse to guide your decision-making in this scenario, including whether you would disclose your error. Make certain to justify your explanation.
Explain the process of writing prescriptions, including strategies to minimize medication errors
2-3 page
include reference:
Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician Helpants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. chapter 1-6
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021). CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Links to an external site.. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=1300
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Writing Guide:
Advance Care Planning
Without established advance directives, the standard of care is to keep the patient alive and treat the condition (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). However, the wife expresses AC’s probable wishes, while the daughter insists on life-sustaining treatment. As the advanced practice nurse, establishing clarity on AC’s values through a family meeting could help guide decision-making (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). Discussing prognosis, quality of life, and treatment burdens may help reach a consensus. If disagreement persists, involving an ethics committee for mediation could resolve the conflict.
Prescribing Responsibly
Prescribing carries legal and ethical obligations to avoid harm. When writing for unresponsive patients, clearly document the medical indication and intended effects of any medications (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2021). Regularly reassess treatments for continued medical necessity and side effects. Involve pharmacists to review for interactions or duplications that could cause adverse drug events. Strategies like e-prescribing, double checks, and utilizing reference resources can help minimize prescribing errors (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021).
Disclosure Considerations
If an error occurred, most state laws require disclosure to the patient or surrogate (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). However, non-disclosure may be allowed if harm did not result and the error was addressed. As the advanced practice nurse, I would evaluate the situation, likely disclose to maintain trust, and work with the healthcare team to prevent recurrence. The wellbeing of the patient should be the top priority in guiding next steps.
In summary, clear communication and establishing the patient’s values and treatment goals could help navigate this complex scenario. Please let me know if any part of the discussion requires further explanation.
Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician Helpants (2nd ed.)
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021). CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=1300
American Nurses Association. (2019). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.
American Medical Association. (2021). AMA Code of Medical Ethics. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/code-medical-ethics-overview
