Reflect upon what you have learned from the case study and related learning materials this week. Compare this case study to your nursing practice and give a similar example from your nursing experience in which you might have run into an ethical situation. Your reflection should be a minimum of five to six paragraphs. APA format.
Reflect upon what you have learned from the case study and related learning materials this week. Compare this case study to your nursing practice and give a similar example from your nursing experience in which you might have run into an ethical situation. Your reflection should be a minimum of five to six paragraphs. APA format.
Case study:
You have a patient who has been actively dying after a sudden CVA the family has been kempt out all day at the work station. The CNA left the patient to get longer tubing for the patient’s oxygen so that he could take him to the restroom. While the CNA was gone, the patient removed his oxygen, and he tried to go to the restroom on his own. He ended up falling and becomes unresponsive. When the CNA returned, he started CPR and called a code. The patient’s daughter told the CNA not to resuscitate because he has a DNR, while the patient’s son stated that he has the power of attorney and that his father’s living will, states that all heroic measures must be taken. The nurse escorts the family out of the room. She looks at the card in her pocket confirming that the patient is a DNR and quickly alerts the CNA to stop CPR. The doctor was pleased with how the nurse handled the situation but the son was very upset and claiming he was going to sue hospital.
What responsibility if any did the patient have in this situation?
What responsibility if any did the family have in this situation?
Did the nurse have a crucial role to play in this situation?
Resource information
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
A patient may request a DNR order, either directly or through an advance directive; however, a healthcare professional must issue and sign the order, and, depending on the state, the patient may need to meet certain requirements. For example, in Utah, the patient must be at least 18 years old, and must have a terminal illness diagnosed by a physician.
Providers take no legal risk in honoring the requests of an advance directive, given that the directive itself is compliant and consistent with applicable state and federal law.
There is no legal or ethical distinction between withholding and withdrawing treatment, in keeping with a patient’s wishes. In other words, from a legal and ethical standpoint, it is acceptable to withhold treatment, in accordance with a patient’s request; it is equally acceptable to initiate treatment, then discontinue that treatment when it is no longer beneficial, given that initiating and discontinuing treatment both are consistent with the patient’s preferences
