Ethical Dilemma
Introduction
The following paper will narrate an ethical dilemma which has been faced by a nurse working is a local emergency department. The analysis of the dilemma will be done using Catalano’s (2009) ethical decision making algorithm for nurses. Various potential solutions to the dilemma will be discussed along with an examination of both the positive and negative consequences of the decision.
This ethical dilemma, faced by the emergency department nurse was related to a 93 year old patient who was transferred from an extended care facility. The patient had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She was unable to eat or drink at all which was not enough to sustain her health. The patient would not give any response to any voice or touch. She was non-verbal. Her physician at the extended care facility had diagnosed her with failure to thrive. Her granddaughter was the power of attorney. The patient did not own an advanced directive. An emphasis had been laid by the patient’s family that she must be sent to the emergency department so she gets to have a feeding tube placed. The patient’s family told that they were assured that “the patient might get better is feeding tube was placed”. Now, the nurse was facing an ethical dilemma of supporting the patient’s right to a dignified demise and balancing the wishes of the family (Heiser, 2014).
Analysis of the dilemma
The decision making starts with assessment according to Catalino’s (2009) ethical decision-making algorithm. The first step involves the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. The decision involves determining which party will be influenced the most by the decision. The second step is to state the dilemma. In this case, the dilemma for the nurse is to fulfill the family’s desire and support the right of her patient to a dignified death. The...
References
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Catalano, J. T. (2009). Nursing now! Today’s issues, tomorrow’s trends (5th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
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Dreyer, A., Forde, R., & Nortvedt, P. (2009, November). Autonomy at the end of life: Life prolonging treatment in nursing homes - relatives’ role in the decision-making process. Journal of Medical Ethics, 35(11), 672-677.
Gladding, S. T. (2000). Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
Heiser, G. (2014). End of life ethical dilemma. Journal of Excellence in Integrated Writing Courses at Wright State, 1(7), 1-5.
International Council of Nurses. (2006). The ICN code of ethics for nurses. Retrieved from http://www.icn.ch/icncode.pdf
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