Patient Suicide Case Summary

The Patient Suicide Attempt – An Ethical Dilemma Case Study To tell or not to tell…that was the ethical dilemma faced by the nurse in this case. The 57-year old patient was admitted with aggressive, inoperable end-stage prostate cancer. After his original diagnosis seven years ago, he opted for non-traditional therapy. The patient presented several months ago with anemia. At that time, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to his bones and lymph nodes. During his last admission, the patient was told the cancer was inoperable, and the best plan was palliative care. During the current admission, despite his statement that he had accepted that he was going to die, the patient confided to his nurse that he was planning on killing …show more content…
If one principle is used, it violates the other. The ethical principles autonomy and beneficence apply equally. However, one principle cannot be chosen without violating the other. Non-maleficence is another ethical principle that can be applied in this case. When considering this principle, it infringes on the autonomy principle, but supports the beneficence principle. Therefore, three ethical principles apply in this case. Those principles are autonomy, non-maleficence and beneficence. Beneficence is essentially doing good (Butts & Rich, 2016). One can explain it as actions that are focused on benefiting others. As a healthcare provider, the nurse is obligated to take any and all actions to ensure the safety and well being of her patients. Therefore, in consideration of the principle of beneficence, the nurse must chose that which is better for the patient’s health and safety. By telling other members of the healthcare team, the nurse ensures interventions will be put in place to prevent his suicide. Preventing the patient from committing suicide is a better choice and fits the beneficence