To Turn or Not to Turn
Presented in this essay will be an accumulation of research done on the important topic of bioethics. The first part of this essay will include a journal article that details a patient and the wishes he makes along with the ethical dilemma surrounding his wishes. The second portion of this essay will answer important questions pertaining to a case study in which a patient attempts suicide, and the legal and ethical obligations healthcare professionals have at resuscitation efforts.
Merriam-Webster defines bioethics as the study of ethical decisions that centers around the advancements made in biology and medicine. The bioethical issue at the heart of the article I chose deals with a patient and his right to autonomy. It is our duty as nurses to promote the health and wellness of our patients, but what happens when the patient uses his right to autonomy in a way that causes further undue harm? This is exactly what happens when Harold, an 88-year-old World War 2 veteran, suffers a serious of mini-strokes. Prior to Harold’s stroke, he was living at home alone and enjoyed his independence. Consequently, the strokes left Harold unable to dress, feed or groom himself and now found himself …show more content…
His wishes were covered under the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990, this allows the patient to be involved in the decision-making process and includes the right to refuse (Blais & Hayes, 2016). The legal question to be answered is “did the nurse act negligent?” Negligence is “conduct lacking in due care or failing to perform a legal duty which causes distinct injury to another person” (Blais & Hayes, 2017). The ethical dilemma presented, questions the value of autonomy and to what extent it should be taken. Autonomy is not the only value to be upheld. The ability of the nurse to promote health, prevent illness and to restore health should also be part of the
Presented in this essay will be an accumulation of research done on the important topic of bioethics. The first part of this essay will include a journal article that details a patient and the wishes he makes along with the ethical dilemma surrounding his wishes. The second portion of this essay will answer important questions pertaining to a case study in which a patient attempts suicide, and the legal and ethical obligations healthcare professionals have at resuscitation efforts.
Merriam-Webster defines bioethics as the study of ethical decisions that centers around the advancements made in biology and medicine. The bioethical issue at the heart of the article I chose deals with a patient and his right to autonomy. It is our duty as nurses to promote the health and wellness of our patients, but what happens when the patient uses his right to autonomy in a way that causes further undue harm? This is exactly what happens when Harold, an 88-year-old World War 2 veteran, suffers a serious of mini-strokes. Prior to Harold’s stroke, he was living at home alone and enjoyed his independence. Consequently, the strokes left Harold unable to dress, feed or groom himself and now found himself …show more content…
His wishes were covered under the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990, this allows the patient to be involved in the decision-making process and includes the right to refuse (Blais & Hayes, 2016). The legal question to be answered is “did the nurse act negligent?” Negligence is “conduct lacking in due care or failing to perform a legal duty which causes distinct injury to another person” (Blais & Hayes, 2017). The ethical dilemma presented, questions the value of autonomy and to what extent it should be taken. Autonomy is not the only value to be upheld. The ability of the nurse to promote health, prevent illness and to restore health should also be part of the