Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research Essay

Evidence-based practice promotes change with evidence every day.  Once upon a time, practice was done using trial and error.  The evidence on an action’s effectiveness or ineffectiveness would therefore promote the use or discontinued use.

The role of research within evidence-based practice (EBP) is vital to the validity of the evidence.  Bourke and Loveridge (2013) explain that evidence-based practice requires obtaining the best available external clinical evidence and incorporating it for evaluation against systematic collections of data received from research.  Research is influenced by evidence-based practice so that the content has greater value. Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research.  This value comes from knowing that the information provided within the literature you view has been substantiated by other experts in the given field.  The researcher evaluates the findings provided in a study, qualifying the study as scholarly.  To qualify as scholarly, the author of the study will submit their credentials of how or why they should be considered as a qualified author on the subject.  In addition, the author will submit their written findings to other peers in the field for their review of the research material.  This is called a peer review study and after being reviewed and accepted by the author’s peers, this helps to ensure to the reader of the literature that other experts in the pertaining field have reviewed the study material and concur with what is written.  This is what allows the research to be considered evidence-based instead of conjecture or a hypothesis Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research Essay.

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This paper addresses the issue of health care literacy.  According to MacLeod et al. (2017), research shows that inadequate health literacy impacts total patient-centered care; it affects compliance with healthcare, recommended preventative services, utilization of healthcare, medical expenditures and overall care.

The desperate need for increased exposure to health literacy is of grave importance.  Individuals with inadequate health literacy typically have poorer mental and physical health as well as being sicker in general (MacLeod et al., 2017).  This is because these individuals are lacking education on the importance of understanding how to identify evidence-based information and the importance of why and how this information can and will affect their overall health conditions.  Without the attention this issue deserves, the population of individuals with deficient health literacy will only continue to grow and more people will suffer from poor decision making and lack of action related to health care. Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research Essay.

Application to Selected MSN Program Specialty Track

There is an expectation as an advance practice nurse to provide care based on the best possible evidence available.  Using the best available evidence is not enough to ensure confidence as a provider.  Master’s-prepared Family Nurse Practitioners must also demonstrate genuine concern regarding patients’ health and healthcare outcomes.  Establishing a connection with the patient and their ability to access and understand information and use of technology must also be accomplished (Harris, Thomas, & Fox, 2015).

The impact of resolving healthcare literacy would allow the Family Nurse Practitioner to connect with their patient at a greater level of comprehension.  The Master’s-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner must have greater confidence in the ability of the patient to stay compliant, and, when needed ask appropriate questions to be a more active partner in their own healthcare delivery.

The improvement of health literacy improves overall health conditions and reduces the cost of care.  Haun et al. (2015) provide extensive research stating that health literacy is a major contributor to the higher costs associated with medical care, and increased level of severity of both acute and chronic conditions. Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research Essay.

Nursing Issue and Supportive Evidence Regarding the Issue

Media presents the general audience with all types of remedies through advertising from pharmaceutical manufacturers to products that are supposed to make someone healthier.  Whether the viewer is seeing advertisements on television, as a pop-up advertisement, or conducting a search on symptoms they may be experiencing, they are able to locate advertising to support what they are looking for.  With all the advancements in technology these days the consumer can obtain information from the internet simply by using hand-held devices such as cell phones and tablets, computers, and wireless two-way smart speakers, and now televisions even have internet capabilities built into them.  With information so accessible, it is critical to be able to decipher between credible and non-credible information.  Not having the right tools to do any job can be dangerous.  Not having the right tools to discriminate and recognize the best possible evidence, regarding healthcare can be lethal. Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research.

Patients frequently attempt to save time and money by looking up their physical ailments online to diagnose an issue they are experiencing.  Consumers then go to the store and purchase what they saw advertised or seek to buy it online.  The consumers believe they are saving money and feel good about caring for themselves.  Unfortunately, when the products consumers purchase fail to make them feel better or cure what they believe is their issue, they are then forced to either live with the condition hoping it goes away or seek attention from a health care provider.  This requires the patient to spend additional time and money, which could have been avoided had the consumer been knowledgeable about locating evidence-based information to help them help themselves.  Patients are not always forthcoming with notifying the provider of remedies attempted on their own.  Not notifying the provider of attempted remedies could cause the provider to miss pertinent data or information, improperly diagnose a condition, order additional unnecessary tests, and cost the patient a lot of extra money.

Patients who have a low health literacy may purchase over-the-counter supplements in hopes to help improve memory, fatigue, or stamina.  Not notifying the nurse or provider of these over-the-counter supplements could be the cause of an issue the patient is having.  Many individuals with low health literacy do not realize that over-the-counter supplements may be available without a prescription, but they still should not be taken without consultation from a health care provider.  The fact that supplements are available over-the-counter without a prescription does not make them safe for everyone.

In every health care setting it is the nurse’s responsibility to educate the patient. This becomes a difficult task when the patient is not responsive to learning and believes they can just go online and learn all they need to know. The prevalence of low health care literacy in society is at the highest level of all time (Johnson, 2014).  This may be because the largest growing population are older adults.  According to MacLeod et al. (2017), the number of people age 65 and over in the United States is over 46 million, and anticipated to more than double in the next 30 years.  Therefore, the mismatch between the health provider’s communication and the low health literacy of the patient adversely affect health outcomes daily (Johnson, 2014).

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The proposed solution to help bridge the gap with health literacy in the community is to have nurses and medical librarians hold educational seminars free of charge.  Inviting the public to attend these seminars at local libraries, park-districts, and community centers will help educate consumers on the importance of health literacy.  Additionally, public service announcements would prove instrumental in explaining to consumers why the need to be educated on health literacy is so important.  Millican (2014) identifies creative ways in which collaborating with medical librarians and health organizations can minimize health literacy barriers.  This is because evidence-based practice originated with medical librarians teaching the importance of locating the best possible evidence to support health care delivery and how to identify which evidence qualified as the best possible evidence available.

Additional solutions for helping bridge the gap with health literacy include one-on-one consultations with patients in the health care clinic, or inviting patients to join group discussions regarding the importance of learning more about evidence-based health care.  Another potential option would be providing an online forum for patients to log into to read about questions other people are having that might affect them or their loved ones.  It is important to make available in generalized terms to the consumers that health care is delivered to them by health care providers who have done investigating into clinical trials and documented research, so that the health care practices that they give to the patient are done so by using the results of the research to make the best decisions on how to treat the patient the safest with the most optimal outcome Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research Essay.

The stakeholders impacted by low health literacy issues are the patients, patients’ loved ones, and health care providers.  MacLeod et al. (2017) recognized the individuals having inadequate health literacy are people of lower income levels, lesser education, minorities, and older males.  Empirical evidence explains individuals with low health literacy are at greater risk for making inappropriate decisions regarding their own personal health in addition to decisions for their loved ones (Engelke, 2016).  Inappropriate decision making can severely affect the stakeholder’s current and future health condition, by not getting health care attention soon enough, by not being compliant with directions given by the nurse or provider, and not understanding the ramifications of what might result in a chosen action.

By implementing this evidence-based practice project expected outcomes are to be improved compliance with provider direction, increased and improved patient satisfaction, and a greater sense of comfort for the patient. Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research. By improving patient health literacy, it allows patients to make educated decisions for themselves and their loved ones.  Educated decision making in lieu of arbitrary decisions based on advertisement coercion or lack of evidence to support the decision-making process improves patient care by allowing or seeking the best possible interventions made for the patient.  This in turn saves the patient time, money and gives them a greater sense of autonomy, strengthening the patient both mentally and physically.  Additionally, the Master’s-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner, in combining efforts along with health science librarians, will strengthen their ability to continue to provide evidence-based practice to their patients.  As Eldredge (2016) states, the use of the best evidence allows health science librarians to advance evidence-based practice along with healthcare providers. This keeps the health care providers on top of new or recent changes to evidence and sourcing of reliable data.  Having the ability to gather the best evidence available keeps patients safer and better cared for, making it possible to decrease health care costs and time providers need to spend with each patient.  If providers are not having to spend extensive time with patients, more patients can be seen, and a larger population cared for.

Evidence-based Practice Question

The PICOT format is used to address the question: In patients in the community center receiving care, does providing education on health literacy influence finding credible information regarding healthcare as compared to not receiving education on health literacy?  This question will be answered by surveying the people in the community health center, prior to the teaching intervention, and then again 6 months following the education intervention the same members of the community health center will be surveyed to give us our pretest and post-test data figures.  We use the optional (T) in the PICO because we are conducting a quantitative approach. Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research.

P:   Patients in the community center

I:    Providing literacy education one-on-one and/or in a group setting

C:   Patients with health literacy education compared to patients without health literacy education

O: The ability for patients to locate credible information with and without health literacy education.

T:   Surveying the population prior to the teaching intervention and 6 months after the teaching.

Conclusion

Health literacy is a major issue affecting the health and wellbeing of many Americans.  According to Rong et al. (2017), the ability to gather and comprehend basic information regarding health care and to make informed, educated decisions based on that comprehension describes health literacy.  Engelke (2016) teaches that consumers with a low health literacy are at greater risk for poor decision making related to healthcare options.

Interventions are available to help educate people on what information is credible and how to discern between credible evidence-based information and non-credible information.  Eldredge (2016) explains how evidence-based practice was created by medical scientific librarians who taught health care providers how to research and use the best possible evidence to direct patient centered care.  Logically, it then serves to reason that, the same professional body should be involved in educating the public on evidence-based practice and how to encompass it into improving health literacy Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research Essay.

In writing this assignment I learned that there are many factors that help to create and support low health literacy.  I had a preconceived idea or concept of what I felt health literacy encompassed.  In completing research on this topic, I have learned that there is far more than I ever imagined involved with health literacy.  One of the more surprising things that I learned was that the convergence to evidence-based practice into the clinical setting originated from the medical librarians, their creation of a system where the research and literature providing the evidence to learn and practice from allowed practitioners to learn and provide care based on that best available evidence.  Additionally, this assignment caused me to give extensive thought to the government, and their use of mass promotion on public safety issues such as the opioid crisis.   A major contributor to this crisis is evidenced by low health literacy.  Health literacy can address the senseless deaths opioid use is causing, by educating consumers on why so many over-doses are killing people.  I feel it’s very possible to reduce the number of deaths, by simply educating the public.  The old proverb “Knowledge is Power” speaks volumes to correcting and abolishing many health issues, as many are self-created due to low health literacy. Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research.

 

References

Bourke, R., & Loveridge, J. (2013). A scientist-practitioner model for inclusive education: Supporting graduate students to conduct systematic reviews for evidence-based practice. New Zealand Journal of Teachers’ Work, 10(1), 4-23.

Eldredge, J. D. (2016). Integrating research into practice. Journal of The Medical Library Association, 104(4), 333-337. doi:10.3163/1536-5050.104.4.017

Engelke, Z. M. (2016). Patient Education: Caring for patients with low health literacy. CINAHL Nursing Guide.

Harris, L., Thomas, V., & Fox, M. (2015). The influence of health care literacy on the use of PHRs among older adults. MEDSURG Nursing, 24(4), 283-285. Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research.

Haun, J. N., Patel, N. R., French, D. D., Campbell, R. R., Bradham, D. D., & Lapcevic, W. A. (2015). Association between health literacy and medical care costs in an integrated healthcare system: A regional population based study. BMC Health Services Research, 15(1), 1-11. doi:10.1186/s12913-015-0887-z

Johnson, A. (2014). Health literacy, does it make a difference? Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 31(3), 39-45.

MacLeod, S., Musich, S., Gulyas, S., Cheng, Y., Tkatch, R., Cempellin, D., & … Yeh, C. S. (2017). Feature article: The impact of inadequate health literacy on patient satisfaction, healthcare utilization, and expenditures among older adults. Geriatric Nursing, 38(4), 334-341. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.12.003

Millican, K. (2014). How are medical librarians addressing health literacy barriers? Serials Librarian, 67(3), 260-275. doi:10.1080/0361526X.2014.915606

Rong, H., Cheng, X., Garcia, J. M., Zhang, L., Lu, L., Fang, J., & … Chen, J. (2017). Survey of health literacy level and related influencing factors in military college students in Chongqing, China: A cross-sectional analysis. Plos One, 12(5), e0177776. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0177776.Refinement of Nursing Issue into Research Essay.

Asthma Pathophysiology Nursing Essay

Asthma

Asthma is a disease that affects over 30 million Americans, and is mostly diagnosed during childhood to (Huether & McCance, 2017). When Asthma is not properly diagnosed or diagnosed late, it could lead to chronic changes in the airways. Asthma is a chronic disease and can show up at any age and is not gender specific (National Asthma Education, 2007). According to Huether and McCance (2017), asthma can present itself in children when exposed to high level of allergens. Smoking, exposure to allergens, air pollution and re-occurring respiratory infection all put an individual at risk for asthma. When an individual inhales irritants, it could create some permanent changes in the airways. Asthma Pathophysiology Nursing Essay.

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Pathophysiology

When the bronchial mucosa is exposed to allergens, it stimulates the dendritic cells, and this pushes antigen to the T-helper cells. The T-helper cells release both cytokines and interleukins that stimulates plasma cells and eosinophils. Thus, leading to obstruction of the airways (Huether & McCance, 2017). The plasma cells create IgE, and it connects to the mast cells, and it causes degranulation due to the discharge of inflammatory mediators like histamine and bradykinins. Inflammatory mediators lead to mucosal edema, bronchospasm, and vasodilations which contribute to narrowing the airways. Asthma pathophysiology nursing sample essay.

Asthma manifest differently in people, and they can range from an acute exacerbation to a severe attack (Hammer & McPhee, 2014). Asthma pathophysiology nursing sample essay. Wheezing is a classic sign of asthma, and this is caused by the contraction of smooth muscles in the airways (Hammer & McPhee, 2014). Dyspnea, tachypnea, cough (non-productive), tachycardia and prolonged expiration are manifestations of asthma. When the usual treatment is no longer effective for bronchospasm which is an inflammatory response, then the patient is believed to have status asthmaticus (Huether & McCance, 2017).

Diagnosis and Treatment

The first step in diagnosing asthma is by looking at the patients’ history of allergies and check for classic signs such as wheezing, non-productive cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness or intolerance of exercise. According to Huether and McCance (2017), arterial blood gases (ABG) is one way to diagnose asthma. Expiratory flow rates which measure the speed at which someone exhales is another method diagnose asthma and how severe it is. Administration of oxygen and short-acting bronchodilator is used for the treatment of acute asthma. Asthma pathophysiology nursing sample essay. The nurse practitioner should also administer oral corticosteroids; closely monitor airflow and how the patient reacts to the treatment (Lawlor, 2015) Asthma Pathophysiology Nursing Essay.

Ethnicity

Asthma is not raced specific, but it has been discovered that people of black descent are more likely to suffer from asthma than white people and black children are twice likely to develop asthma than their white peers (CDC, 2016). According to the CDC (2016), blacks and people of mixed race are unlikely to seek medical assistance such as going to the emergency room and most times these are associated with the cost of care Asthma pathophysiology nursing sample essay.

Conclusion

Asthma is not gender or age specific and is mostly like to occur in black and people of mixed races than whites (CDC, 2016). If re-occurring respiratory infections are not well treated, it could lead to permanent changes known as airway remodeling in the airways obstructing airflow to the lungs such as asthma (Huether & McCance, 2017).  It is germane for people to seek early treatments for respiratory infections to avoid airway remodeling consequently worsening the situation. It is imperative for nurse practitioners to recognize the signs of asthma and differentiate between an acute exacerbation and chronic asthma attack because that will help the nurse practitioner tailor their treatment and management correctly. Asthma Pathophysiology Nursing Essay.

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2016). Asthma’s Impact on the Nation; Data from the CDC National Asthma Control Program. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/impacts-nation/asthmafactsheet.pdf

Hammer, G. D., & McPhee, S. J. (2014). Pathophysiology of disease: An introduction to clinical medicine (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical. Asthma pathophysiology nursing sample essay.

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Lawlor, R. (2015). Management of asthma in children. Practice Nursing, 26(7),326-330. Asthma Pathophysiology Nursing Essay

Applying the Four Principles: Case Study Paper

Case Study on Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative – Applying the Four Principles: Case Study

This assignment will incorporate a common practical tool in helping clinicians begin to ethically analyze a case. Organizing the data in this way will help you apply the four principles of principlism.

Based on the \”Case Study: Healing and Autonomy\” and other required topic study materials, you will complete the \”Applying the Four Principles: Case Study\” document that includes the following:

Part 1: Chart

This chart will formalize principlism and the four-boxes approach by organizing the data from the case study according to the relevant principles of biomedical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Applying the Four Principles: Case Study.

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Part 2: Evaluation

This part includes questions, to be answered in a total of 500 words, that describe how principalism would be applied according to the Christian worldview.

Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.

APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance Applying the Four Principles: Case Study Paper.

 

Applying the Four Principles: Case Study

Part 1: Chart (60 points)

Based on the “Healing and Autonomy” case study, fill out all the relevant boxes below. Provide the information by means of bullet points or a well-structured paragraph in the box. Gather as much data as possible.

 

Medical Indications Beneficence and Nonmaleficence	Patient Preferences Autonomy
Quality of Life Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy	Contextual Features Justice and Fairness

 

Part 2: Evaluation

Answer each of the following questions about how principlism would be applied:

1. In 200-250 words answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, which of the four principles is most pressing in this case? Explain why. (45 points)

 

2. In 200-250 words answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, how might a Christian rank the priority of the four principles? Explain why. (45 points)

References:

PHI-413V-RS Applying Four Principles CaseStudy

Case Study: Healing and Autonomy

Mike and Joanne are the parents of James and Samuel, identical twins born 8 years ago. James is currently suffering from acute glomerulonephritis, kidney failure. James was originally brought into the hospital for complications associated with a strep throat infection. The spread of the A streptococcus infection led to the subsequent kidney failure. James’s condition was acute enough to warrant immediate treatment. Applying the Four Principles: Case Study. Usually cases of acute glomerulonephritis caused by strep infection tend to improve on their own or with an antibiotic. However, James also had elevated blood pressure and enough fluid buildup that required temporary dialysis to relieve.

The attending physician suggested immediate dialysis. After some time of discussion with Joanne, Mike informs the physician that they are going to forego the dialysis and place their faith in God. Mike and Joanne had been moved by a sermon their pastor had given a week ago, and also had witnessed a close friend regain mobility when she was prayed over at a healing service after a serious stroke. They thought it more prudent to take James immediately to a faith healing service instead of putting James through multiple rounds of dialysis. Yet, Mike and Joanne agreed to return to the hospital after the faith healing services later in the week, and in hopes that James would be healed by then.

Two days later the family returned and was forced to place James on dialysis, as his condition had deteriorated. Mike felt perplexed and tormented by his decision to not treat James earlier. Had he not enough faith? Was God punishing him or James? To make matters worse, James’s kidneys had deteriorated such that his dialysis was now not a temporary matter and was in need of a kidney transplant. Crushed and desperate, Mike and Joanne immediately offered to donate one of their own kidneys to James, but they were not compatible donors. Over the next few weeks, amidst daily rounds of dialysis, some of their close friends and church members also offered to donate a kidney to James. However, none of them were tissue matches. Applying the Four Principles: Case Study.

James’s nephrologist called to schedule a private appointment with Mike and Joanne. James was stable, given the regular dialysis, but would require a kidney transplant within the year. Given the desperate situation, the nephrologist informed Mike and Joanne of a donor that was an ideal tissue match, but as of yet had not been considered—James’s brother Samuel.

Mike vacillates and struggles to decide whether he should have his other son Samuel lose a kidney or perhaps wait for God to do a miracle this time around. Perhaps this is where the real testing of his faith will come in? Mike reasons, “This time around it is a matter of life and death. What could require greater faith than that?” Applying the Four Principles: Case Study Paper.

Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay

In addition to the topic study materials, use the chart you completed and questions you answered in the Topic 3 about \”Case Study: Healing and Autonomy\” as the basis for your responses in this assignment.

Answer the following questions about a patient\’s spiritual needs in light of the Christian worldview.

In 200-250 words, respond to the following: Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient\’s autonomy? Explain your rationale. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay.
In 400-500 words, respond to the following: How ought the Christian think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in James\’s care?
In 200-250 words, respond to the following: How would a spiritual needs assessment help the physician assist Mike determine appropriate interventions for James and for his family or others involved in his care?

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Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Case Study: Healing and Autonomy

Mike and Joanne are the parents of James and Samuel, identical twins born 8 years ago. James is currently suffering from acute glomerulonephritis, kidney failure. James was originally brought into the hospital for complications associated with a strep throat infection. The spread of the A streptococcus infection led to the subsequent kidney failure. James’s condition was acute enough to warrant immediate treatment. Usually cases of acute glomerulonephritis caused by strep infection tend to improve on their own or with an antibiotic. However, James also had elevated blood pressure and enough fluid buildup that required temporary dialysis to relieve.

The attending physician suggested immediate dialysis. After some time of discussion with Joanne, Mike informs the physician that they are going to forego the dialysis and place their faith in God. Mike and Joanne had been moved by a sermon their pastor had given a week ago, and also had witnessed a close friend regain mobility when she was prayed over at a healing service after a serious stroke. They thought it more prudent to take James immediately to a faith healing service instead of putting James through multiple rounds of dialysis. Yet, Mike and Joanne agreed to return to the hospital after the faith healing services later in the week, and in hopes that James would be healed by then. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay.

Two days later the family returned and was forced to place James on dialysis, as his condition had deteriorated. Mike felt perplexed and tormented by his decision to not treat James earlier. Had he not enough faith? Was God punishing him or James? To make matters worse, James’s kidneys had deteriorated such that his dialysis was now not a temporary matter and was in need of a kidney transplant. Crushed and desperate, Mike and Joanne immediately offered to donate one of their own kidneys to James, but they were not compatible donors. Over the next few weeks, amidst daily rounds of dialysis, some of their close friends and church members also offered to donate a kidney to James. However, none of them were tissue matches. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis.

James’s nephrologist called to schedule a private appointment with Mike and Joanne. James was stable, given the regular dialysis, but would require a kidney transplant within the year. Given the desperate situation, the nephrologist informed Mike and Joanne of a donor that was an ideal tissue match, but as of yet had not been considered—James’s brother Samuel.

Mike vacillates and struggles to decide whether he should have his other son Samuel lose a kidney or perhaps wait for God to do a miracle this time around. Perhaps this is where the real testing of his faith will come in? Mike reasons, “This time around it is a matter of life and death. What could require greater faith than that?”

 

Intervention and Ethical Decision-Making

Different models of ethical decision-making suggest different steps and priorities, but the important thing to note is that all models are attempting to organize all of the relevant information in a case so that nothing is left out of consideration. Still, the way in which all of the relevant details in a case are considered will always take place within the context of a worldview. As such, the most important determinant of a bioethical decision is not a methodology but the worldview context in which the methodology is functioning.

Consider, then, how the Christian biblical narrative determines the values that are deemed relevant or important in a case and how different worldviews would impact the decision-making in different cases. In addition, the clinical encounter with patients will require one to at least be familiar with what a patient would need in terms of spiritual care. It is not always expected that health care providers be experts in regards to spiritual care Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay.

However, it is important that they at least be facilitators capable of recognizing a patient’s worldview, as well as the persons and resources that would meet a patient’s spiritual needs. Examine carefully the methods and goals of a spiritual needs assessment in helping to determine a patient’s spiritual needs.

As has been clearly seen in previous topic overviews, the Christian worldview revolves around Jesus Christ and one’s relationship with God through him. The spiritual needs of Christians will be met by the persons and resources that enable one to see oneself as a child of God, and which bring hope, peace, and joy inthe midst of suffering and uncertainty. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay.

 

Applying the Four Principles: Case Study

Part 1: Chart (60 points)

Based on the “Healing and Autonomy” case study, fill out all the relevant boxes below. Provide the information by means of bullet points or a well-structured paragraph in the box. Gather as much data as possible.

Medical Indications Beneficence and Non-maleficence	Patient Preferences Autonomy
Medical indications are critical facts, opinions, and assessment of the patients that facilitate accurate diagnostic and therapeutic services in the health facilities. Clinicians provide treatment services by such information. In this regard, the goal of the provision of treatment and care services is to improve the well-being of the patients (Orr, 2015). The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are essential to the provision of medical services. The medical professionals are guided by the need to maximize positive outcomes of the treatment processes. Non-maleficence principle implies nurses are not expected to inflict harm to patients internationally. The medical ethics protect the well-being of the patients when administering treatment services (Meilaender, 2013). Likewise, beneficence also contributes to the provision of patient-centered medical services based on the observed medical indications. The symptoms are often sufficient for the physicians to make accurate diagnosis and therapy that is of great significance to the patient seeking treatment. For instance, James’ medical condition require quick action of the physician in easing his acute glomerulonephritis arising from a strep throat infection. In doing so, nurses are expected to avoid intentionally inflicting pain to the patients.	The concept of autonomy and beneficence relate closely as far provision of health services are concerned. The clinicians are expected to balance risks, costs with the need to improve the health condition of their patient. The element of autonomy takes into consideration the need for incorporating patient or caregiver’s perspective concerning the provision of care services. In other words, patient’s preferences such as personal value systems and beliefs. The case study presents dilemmas on balancing between religious beliefs and the need to seek urgent medical attention. James parent’s preferred placing their faith in God to seeking dialysis services to ease the condition of their son. However, they enjoy autonomy in making decisions concerning their patient based on their religious backgrounds.
Quality of Life Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Autonomy	Contextual Features Justice and Fairness
Quality of life encompasses the satisfaction patients derived from their lives as a whole include their general health. It incorporates the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and autonomy, particularly in the provision of treatment and care services (The Bible Project, 2017). Clinicians are supposed to avoid intentional medical errors and inputs of the patients should also be incorporated in the treatment processes. For instance, James’ health condition deteriorates due to the decision of his parents to trust too much in their faiths at the expense of seeking medical services.	The ethical dilemma present in the case study occurs in the religious context complicating the provision of treatment and care services. The elements of justice and fairness do not feature prominently in the case scenario. However, it can be argued that it is unfair and unjust for the parents of James, a minor, to make detrimental decisions that impact negatively on the general well-being of the patient. James’ parents relied heavily on their faith in God. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis

Part 2: Evaluation

Answer each of the following questions about how principlism would be applied:

1. In 200-250 words answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, which of the four principles is most pressing in this case? Explain why. (45 points)

The principle of autonomy is critical in the Christian worldview. In this case, the provision of medical and care services take into consideration the need to incorporate the values and beliefs of their patients. Christians believe in spiritual healing through divine intervention. In other words, for proper healing to take place, God’s remain central and of paramount significance (The Bible Project, 2019). Most staunch Christians believe in miraculous healing as seen in many instances where Jesus restored the health conditions of most patients as documented in holy books. Thus, the concept of autonomy in the Christian worldview relates closely with that of beneficence where the interests of the patients are essential as far as the improvement of their health conditions are conditions. By seeking divine intervention, Christians are seeking out for the well-being of their patients (The Bible Project , 2018). They pray to God to do away with the suffering, ailments, and difficulties the patient might be facing. For instance, in the case study, James’ patients are motivated by the miraculously healing of their neighbor and wish the same to happen to their son through prayers to God. They are looking out for the improvement of their ailment of James through committing the same to the Creator Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay.

2. In 200-250 words answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, how might a Christian rank the priority of the four principles? Explain why. (45 points)

Autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence. Independence is supreme since it allows for the aspect of diversity in the beliefs and personal value systems. Christians apply biblical understanding when seeking treatment and care services. Thus, it enables the incorporation of religious values when granting autonomy in the decision-making processes concerning the method and manner of providing such services. Secondly, beneficence also resonates with the biblical teachings on caring for others and promoting their well-being through an act of kindness (Reichman, 2005). Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis. Thirdly, the element of justice is also critical as Christians believe in the righteousness of God. Thus, the administration of treatment and care services should promote equity and judgment concerning the suffering of the patient. Finally, even though the principle of non-maleficence comes last, it is in tandem with the Christian teachings on violence and inflicting injuries to others. Bioethics is rooted in not causing injuries to other people or animals (The Bible Project, 2018). As a result, the provision of treatment and care services that intentionally and willfully inflict pain or cause the death of patients is considered sinful. However, since such circumstances are not envisaged in the health care facilities, the concept amply remotely in the health settings.

References:

Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A primer for Christians (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Orr, R. D. (2015, May ). Incorporating Spirituality into Patient Care. AMA Journal of Ethics , 123.

Reichman, E. (2005). End of life and sanctity of life. American Medical Association Journal of Ethics (formerlyVirtual Mentor), 7(5), 342-351. Retrieved from http://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/2005/05/ccas2-0505.html

The Bible Project . (2018, May April ). To understand sacrifice, we must understand evil. Retrieved from https://thebibleproject.com/explore/sacrifice-atonement/

The Bible Project. (2017, Nov 30). Word Study:Shalom – “Peace”. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLYORLZOaZE&feature=youtu.be

The Bible Project. (2018, Mar 15). Word Study: Khata – “Sin”. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNOZ7ocLD74&feature=youtu.b Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis

The Bible Project. (2019, May 23). The serpent will bite his heel and He will crush his head. Retrieved from https://thebibleproject.com/explore/the-messiah/

 

Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis 

	1 Unsatisfactory 0.00%	2 Less than Satisfactory 65.00%	3 Satisfactory 75.00%	4 Good 85.00%	5 Excellent 100.00%
70.0 %Content
20.0 %Decision-Making and Principle of Autonomy	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are not analyzed according to the principle of autonomy. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are analyzed from both perspectives, but the analysis according to the principle of autonomy is unclear. Analysis is not supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are clearly analyzed from both perspectives, but the analysis according to the principle of autonomy lack details. Analysis is not supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are clearly analyzed from both perspectives with details according to the principle of autonomy. Analysis is supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are analyzed from both perspectives with a deep understanding of the complexity of the principle of autonomy. Analysis is supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.
70.0 %Content
20.0 %Decision-Making, Christian Perspective, and the Principles of Beneficence and Nonmaleficence	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are not analyzed according to the Christian perspective and the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are analyzed according to the Christian perspective and the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, but the analysis is unclear. Analysis is not supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are clearly analyzed according to the Christian perspective and the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence but lacks details. Analysis is not supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are clearly analyzed with details according to the Christian perspective and the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Analysis is supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	Decisions that need to be made by the physician and the father are analyzed with deep understanding of the complexity of the Christian perspective, as well as with the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Analysis is supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.
70.0 %Content	Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis
30.0 %Spiritual Needs Assessment and Intervention (CoNHCP 5.2)	How a spiritual needs assessment would help the physician assist the father determine appropriate interventions for his son, his family, or others involved in the care of his son is not analyzed.	How a spiritual needs assessment would help the physician assist the father determine appropriate interventions for his son, his family, or others involved in the care of his son is analyzed, but unclear. Analysis is not supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	How a spiritual needs assessment would help the physician assist the father determine appropriate interventions for his son, his family, or others involved in the care of his son is clearly analyzed but lacks details. Analysis is not supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	How a spiritual needs assessment would help the physician assist the father determine appropriate interventions for his son, his family, or others involved in the care of his son is clearly analyzed with details. Analysis is supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.	How a spiritual needs assessment would help the physician assist the father determine appropriate interventions for his son, his family, or others involved in the care of his son is clearly analyzed with a deep understanding of the connection between a spiritual needs assessment and providing appropriate interventions. Analysis is supported by the case study, topic study materials, or Topic 3 assignment responses.
30.0 %Organization, Effectiveness, and Format
7.0 %Thesis Development and Purpose	Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.	Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.	Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis	Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.	Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.
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8.0 %Argument Logic and Construction	Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.	Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.	Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.	Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.	Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.
30.0 %Organization, Effectiveness, and Format
5.0 %Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)	Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.	Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.	Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed.	Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech.	Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis
30.0 %Organization, Effectiveness, and Format
5.0 %Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)	Template is not used appropriately, or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.	Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.	Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.	Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style.	All format elements are correct.
30.0 %Organization, Effectiveness, and Format
5.0 %Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)	Sources are not documented.	Documentation of sources is inconsistent and/or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.	Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.	Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.	Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.
100 %Total Weightage

 

Grand Canyon University: PHI-413V Ethical and Spiritual Decision Making in Healthcare

Spiritual Needs Assessment

As healthcare professionals, it is a necessity to be able to talk with our patients about their spirituality. Their beliefs, values, and morals shape the person they are and how healthcare workers care for them can rely directly on that information. Healthcare professionals must be respectful of the patient’s beliefs, faith, and culture as this builds trust and rapport with the patient. We must be able to care for the patient in the best way possible and knowing the patient’s belief system is an extremely intricate part of the plan of care. Healthcare professionals must be confident and open to ask and answer all type of questions related to spirituality for the sake of patient care. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis.

The author of this paper interviewed her family member D.K. who was treated in the hospital for several weeks before being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. The purpose of this paper is to develop a spiritual assessment for the interview, providing a transcript, while also conveying an analysis of the interview. The author will explain what went well in the interview, what could be done differently in the future, and also identify any barriers between the interviewer and the interviewee. This interview will be focused on D.K.’s experience as a patient in the hospital setting Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay.

Part I: The Interview

Me: What are your religious and spiritual beliefs?

D.K.: “I am a Christian and have been for going on 30 years. I believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I have been saved and born again.”

Me: When you were in the hospital, how did being a Christian help you?

D.K.: “I think it was more of a relationship with Christ that helped me. Thankfully, while I was in the hospital for almost a month, I had friends and family visit me every single day but at night it would get lonely and fear and doubt would creep into my mind. It was then, that I would pray and call out to God to help the doctor’s figure out what was going on with me and to help me be more understanding through all the pain and anxiety. It was there in the quietness of night that I felt Christ met me exactly where I was and comforted me in a way that I can’t really explain.”

Me: Have your beliefs ever influenced the way you take care of yourself while you were in the hospital? Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis.

D.K.: “I think, personally, it has made me pray more but I don’t think it has made me rethink any decisions. If it has, it would be signing my advanced directive and sign a DNR in case something should happen to me; I don’t want to be separated from my Lord any longer than I have to.”

Me: Is there anything besides praying that you feel that you need in order to support your relationship with Christ?

D.K.: “It really helped when others prayed for me and over me. I think the most special thing was when my pastor and my family all participated in communion because I wasn’t able to attend church in such a long. It was an extremely special time that I will never forget. It always really helps me and relaxes me to listen to worship music.”

Me: Lastly, is there anything that would help you spiritually, while you were in the hospital that could have been carried out by nurses or doctors?

D.K.: “If anything would be to respect my prayer and quiet time in the morning. It’s hard for me to concentrate and find my focus for the day when I am trying to pray and someone has to come in and draw my blood or come and get my blood pressure. I mean, I understand why they need to do it but I do feel like privacy and respect of personal time should be something that workers in the hospital should be aware of.”

Me: Thanks so much for meeting with me and discussing your personal beliefs. I really appreciate it.

D.K.: “You’re so welcome. Bye.” Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis.

Part II: Analysis

The author interviewed an older-aged Caucasian female, who is also a family member of the author, and identifies herself as a strong Christian. The interviewee, spent months in and out of the hospital, not knowing what was wrong with her. She had symptoms including dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, etc. most were vague and did not point to one specific diagnosis. When the interviewee was diagnosed with Celiac disease, a disease that inhibits your body from digesting gluten properly, she was extremely disheartened because she was a cook, caterer, and baker. Her whole life involved the use of the ingredient that was making her so sick.

During the interview, the author felt as if it would have been more valuable if she could have interviewed her in the hospital as a current patient, instead of a former patient. The interviewee’s faith was and still is extremely strong for someone to have to rely on the Lord during a time of the unknown. I feel that it is important for healthcare workers to have respect for those who have beliefs and faith to allow that to grow and encourage the moments of quiet time, meditation, or prayer during our daily assessments Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis. Spiritual healing and encouragement can be just as important for some patients as physical healing is.

The author did not feel there were any barriers to approaching the spiritual assessment of the interviewee. In the hospital stay, as an inpatient, it can be a little bit more difficult, especially when considering outside factors such as patient ratios, co-workers calling out, etc. Healthcare professionals and nurses cannot forget the importance of a spiritual assessment even during the busiest of times. When spiritual needs are met there are better patient outcomes, the patient feels hope and strength to continue to fight and pursue health. It is also a great time to build rapport and gain trust with a patient.

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Finally, it is amazing when we are able to be encouraged by our patient’s faith and outlook on life. It is important for us, as Christians, to remember that suffering brings us closer to Christ, as He experienced suffering in His life as well. We, as nurses, must be confident in our ability to give spiritual care just as we are physical care. There should be no delay in care of the soul or spirit in a patient because it is just as equally as important as physical healing and can even assist in the healing process Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay.

References

D.K. Personal Communication. November 2016.

Joint Commission. 2016. Medical Record – Spiritual Assessment. Retrieved from

https://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/jcfaqdetails.aspx?StandardsFAQId=765&StandardsFAQChapterId=93&ProgramId=0&ChapterId=0&IsFeatured=False&IsNew=False&Keyword=spiritual Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis Essay

Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Sample Essay)

Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality\” and other required topic study materials, write a 750-1,000-word reflection that answers the following questions:

What is the Christian view of the nature of human persons, and which theory of moral status is it compatible with? How is this related to the intrinsic human value and dignity?
Which theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to determine the moral status of the fetus? What from the case study specifically leads you to believe that they hold the theory you selected? Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).
How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
What theory do you agree with? Why? How would that theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?
Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Sample Essay).

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While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Case Study: Fetal Abnormality

Jessica is a 30-year-old immigrant from Mexico City. She and her husband Marco have been in the United States for the last three years and have finally earned enough money to move out of their Aunt Maria’s home and into an apartment of their own. They are both hard workers. Jessica works 50 hours a week at a local restaurant and Marco has been contracting side jobs in construction. Six months before their move to an apartment, Jessica finds out she is pregnant.

Four months later, Jessica and Marco arrive at the county hospital, a large, public, nonteaching hospital. A preliminary ultrasound indicates a possible abnormality with the fetus. Further scans are conducted, and it is determined that the fetus has a rare condition in which it has not developed any arms and will not likely develop them. There is also a 25% chance that the fetus may have Down syndrome.

Dr. Wilson, the primary attending physician, is seeing Jessica for the first time, since she and Marco did not receive earlier prenatal care over concerns about finances. Marco insists that Dr. Wilson refrain from telling Jessica the scan results, assuring him that he will tell his wife himself when she is emotionally ready for the news. While Marco and Dr. Wilson are talking in another room, Aunt Maria walks into the room with a distressed look on her face. She can tell that something is wrong and inquires of Dr. Wilson. After hearing of the diagnosis, she walks out of the room wailing loudly and praying aloud. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).

Marco and Dr. Wilson continue their discussion, and Dr. Wilson insists that he has an obligation to Jessica as his patient and that she has a right to know the diagnosis of the fetus. He furthermore is intent on discussing all relevant factors and options regarding the next step, including abortion. Marco insists on taking some time to think of how to break the news to Jessica, but Dr. Wilson, frustrated with the direction of the conversation, informs the husband that such a choice is not his to make. Dr. Wilson proceeds back across the hall, where he walks in on Aunt Maria awkwardly praying with Jessica and phoning the priest. At that point, Dr. Wilson gently but briefly informs Jessica of the diagnosis and lays out the option for abortion as a responsible medical alternative, given the quality of life such a child would have. Jessica looks at him and struggles to hold back her tears.

Jessica is torn between her hopes of a better socioeconomic position and increased independence, along with her conviction that all life is sacred. Marco will support Jessica in whatever decision she makes but is finding it difficult not to view the pregnancy and the prospects of a disabled child as a burden and a barrier to their economic security and plans. Dr. Wilson lays out all of the options but clearly makes his view known that abortion is “scientifically” and medically a wise choice in this situation. Aunt Maria pleads with Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy and allow what “God intends” to take place and urges Jessica to think of her responsibility as a mother Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Sample Essay).

Case Study for Moral Status

In the “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” four individuals that are able to make their feelings about aborting a fetus are presented. They include Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson. In this scenario, Jessica is pregnant with a fetus that has a 25% chance of Down Syndrome and currently does not have any arms with a low probability they will develop. Marco is Jessica’s husband who will support her decision. Maria is the religious aunt that pleads with Jessica about her obligation to God and this unborn child. Dr. Wilson is supportive of aborting the fetus. These individuals pose various theories in determining the moral status of a fetus. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).

Moral Status

            Dr. Wilson has provided the family with all the possible options, but shows the greatest support of abortion based on his medical knowledge of the disabilities. Dr. Wilson is utilizing the theory of cognitive properties, which states in order to have moral status one needs to be able to demonstrate a level of awareness and rationality, which fetus’s do not posses (“Theological anthropology,” 2015). Under this theory the fetus has no moral status so it is acceptable to abort it.

Maria pleads with Jessica to think about her obligations as a mother to this child, as well as respecting God’s intent. This would fall under the theory based on relationship. Jessica has a relationship to this fetus as its mother and a relationship to God, these relationships provide the fetus with moral status making abortion wrong. This also demonstrates the divine command theory, which is based on God being the creator and decides morality (Dunstan, 2012).

Jessica is in confict because of the financial burden this child poses and her religious beliefs that oppose abortion. Jessica is acting as the moral agent, a person acting for herself to make the most appropriate decision (Purtilo &Doherty, 2011). This represents the theory of moral agency, because Jessica will decide the moral status of the child. Marco is concerned about the burden of a disabled child but is willing to support Jessica. This demonstrates the theory based on relationship, because the moral status of the child may change, depending on Jessica (“Theological anthropology,” 2015).

This Authors Opinion

            This author believes in the theory of sentience and relationship. Sentient beings have moral status and relationships that determine moral status (“Theological anthropology,” 2015). This will influence the decision of abortion because the author believes that a fetus can feel pain and that the mother has an obligation to the fetus, as its mother to protect it as well as an obligation to God  not destroy one of his creations Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Sample Essay).

Conclusion

            The four individuals in this case study, as well as the author had different values when it comes to human life. As a Christian this author believes that abortion is immoral and goes against God’s plan. However, as a Nurse my opinion should not influence the decision of a patient. A decision regarding abortion  is a difficult choice to make, and is a decision that a patient will need to live with for the rest of their lives. As a medical professional we have a responsibility to provide all of the options in an unbiased manner. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).

 

References

Dunstan, A. (2012, February 16). The Divine Command Theory Supports That Abortion is Morally Wrong. In Hubpages. Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/education/ divinecommandtheoryabortion

Purtilo, R. B., & Doherty, R. F. (2011). Ethical Dimensions in the Health Professions (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.

Theological Anthropology and the Phenomenology of Disease and Illness (2015). In Grand Canyon University lecture notes. Retrieved March 17, 2016, from https://lc-ugrad1.gcu.edu/learningPlatform/user/users.html?operation=home&classId=9bdc20ef-c021-4d8b-b939-12067cc3b2ef#/learningPlatform/loudBooks/loudbooks.html?view Page=current&operation=innerPage&c

 

Moral Positions on a Fetal Abnormality Case Study

Every person has their own set of values, ethics, and morals that they have developed over their lifetime and has been shaped by their life experiences, the relationships in their lives and their own personal worldview and moral compass. A person’s moral compass guides them in the decisions they make daily both in their personal lives and their professional careers, helps individuals determine what is right and wrong, and helps guide them during situations in which there are many different paths they can choose from that are each morally correct but have completely different resolutions and outcomes. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).

This paper will identify and explore the different worldview theories that the characters Doctor Wilson, Aunt Maria, Marco and Jessica identify with and use to influence and determine the moral status and recommendation for the fetus in a case study from Grand Canyon University, “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” (n.d.). Using this case study, this author will explore and discuss which theory this author identifies with and how this theory will influence and determine the action this author would take in a situation such as presented in the case study.

Worldview Theories and Influences

The decisions and paths that one choses and follows all stem from our own moral compasses and personal worldviews which are shaped by our culture, religion, spirituality, ethics, values, personal relationships and life experiences just to name a few influences. When given a similar situation, individuals will respond and react differently depending on their moral compass and worldview. In health care, it is important to not only be able to identify and understand your own moral compass and personal worldview, but to be able to identify and understand those of other’s around you. They allow health care professionals to understand and respect the wishes of others even if the worldviews are different, remain non-judgmental and unbiased, and provide high quality care that is both caring and compassionate Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Sample Essay).

Doctor Wilson and Scientism

            The author of this paper believes that Doctor Wilson’s personal worldview is influenced by scientism. In “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” (n.d.), Doctor Wilson uses facts that the test results were positive for the rare condition and the chance that the fetus could have Down syndrome also to deliver the news to Jessica and Marco and the available options. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay). Doctor Wilson delivered the news without interjecting religion or spirituality into his discussion; however, he did provide his own view that abortion was medically and scientifically a good choice in this situation, and a responsible medical alternative. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)

According to Burnett (n.d.), scientism explains reality and events in a material or physical manner. Scientism removes all spiritual, cultural and religious aspects in examining, explaining and rationalizing reality and does not account for what happens after death. Science is viewed as the only real source of knowledge and ignores other branches of learning and knowledge. Scientism can influences and determine the actions of individuals by the use of scientific facts, studies and knowledge gained from science alone, and by explaining situations in a physical or material manner. (Burnett, n.d.)

Using the concepts listed one can see scientism in the actions of Doctor Wilson: providing facts on the abnormalities and quality of life for the child, abortion as a medical alternative, different options available but also makes it known his opinion that abortion is medically and scientifically a good choice. As stated, scientism removes all spiritual, cultural and religious aspects which we can see Doctor Wilson did not address while giving his recommendations. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)

Aunt Maria and Christianity

The author of this paper believes that Aunt Maria’s worldview is Christianity. In the case study, Aunt Maria prays for her family and is seen phoning their priest. Aunt Maria also interjects her opinion that Jessica should not abort the fetus, asks Jessica to think of her responsibilities to the growing fetus inside of her as the fetus’s mother and that they should follow God’s plan. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.) Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).

According to Shelly and Miller (2006), a Christian worldview looks to God and the importance of prayer, faith and a personal approach to health care, and that science and technology are gifts from God to help benefit creation. The Christian worldview also encompasses taking care of the sick, indigent and to provide aid and comfort to those in need. Another Christian concept is imago Dei which is a term with many dimensions: we are all created in the image of God, we have a duty and responsibility to ourselves, others and to God, we have a place in God’s plan, and we all must find a purpose and meaning to fulfil in life. (Shelly & Miller, 2006)

Using the concepts listed one can see Aunt Maria’s Christian worldview through the use of prayer, and the belief in God’s plan (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.). The Christian worldview looks at the fetus as a living human being that has a place in God’s plan, and that Jessica and Marco have a duty and responsibility to the fetus as the fetus’s parents to nurture, care and to love the fetus no matter what abnormalities the fetus may have. The fetus was created through love and in the image of God, and as such, the fetus has the right to live, the right to grow and the right to follow in God’s plan. Though through the advances in science and technology one can see that the fetus will have some abnormalities; however, only God can determine the path of the fetus and what abnormalities the fetus will actually be born with, and the fetus may be able to benefit from the advances in science, health care services and technology through the use of prosthetics and different therapies. (Shelly & Miller, 2006) Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Sample Essay).

Marco and Materialism

            The author of this paper believes that Marco has a Materialistic worldview. In the case study, Marco is portrayed as being concerned about his wife Jessica and will support her in any decision that she makes, in regards to the growing fetus. Marco also is concerned about the economic security and plans for his wife and himself, and sees the pregnancy and possibility of having a disabled child not only as a burden but also a barrier to their future. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)

Materialism is a worldview with several definitions that encompass views that all objects are material and that only matter exists, material progress and material well-being are the purpose and highest value in life, and that there is importance in material things or object. Materialism ignores spirituality, religion, and what happens to humans beyond death, and relates events, life experiences and reality to matter within the laws of nature. (Materialism, n.d.)

Using the concepts above in influencing and determining the moral status of the fetus and recommendation of action would mean that the fetus is just matter, no consciousness, no spirit, and possibly a barrier in Jessica and Marco obtaining economic security and future plans. Since materialism places more emphasis on material objects and the need for material for growth and changes in economic and social status, the fetus would hinder Jessica and Marco’s progress in life. Also under materialism there is no consideration or regard to the future of the fetus itself, or thoughts of what would happen to the fetus upon termination, the fetus would simply just cease to exist. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)

Jessica, Blended Theories and Modern Western Worldview

The author of this paper believes that Jessica has a blended worldview on the moral status of the fetus. In one aspect Jessica appears to have similar thoughts to Marco on how the fetus would hinder their progress on the socioeconomic ladder and hinder their independence, which aligns with the materialism worldview which puts more emphasis on matter and material objects than with religion, spirituality, intelligence, or value in the fetus that has abnormalities. On the other hand Jessica has a belief that all life is sacred which aligns with the Christian worldview. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)

As these two concepts create conflict, one could also argue that Jessica’s worldview is modern Western as it is influenced by dualism, biblical values and a scientific perspective (the quality of life of her child). Shelly and Miller (2006), describe the modern Western worldview as being influenced by dualism which dualism is a division between two entities that will always have conflict and can be seen as matter (evil) having conflict with the spirit (good). Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay). This worldview is also influenced by success-failure, truth-falsehood, scientific perspectives and biblical values of justice and love. Overtime in this worldview God has become distant and people believe their paths and destiny in life are their own, emphasizing the value of people as individuals. (Shelly & Miller, 2006)

            Each of these worldviews play a role in determining Jessica’s path that she will chose in regards to the fetus. Materialism would call for Jessica to go through an abortion, Christianity and a modern Western worldview would influence Jessica to carry on with the pregnancy and fulfil her role in caring, loving and nurturing the fetus. (Shelly & Miller, 2006)

Author’s Blended Theory

This author believes in a blended worldview and a blended theory approach to the different situations and dilemmas that are presented in one’s lifetime. This author finds that a blended approach is best to determine which path to follow as there is not just only one correct theory or path in life. This author believes that each person is a unique individual who is valuable and has a purpose, everyone is entitle to a life that has meaning and quality, not one of pain and suffering. As a nurse this author feels that we must do everything in our power to care for each other physically, emotionally and spiritually and keep an open mind when presented with life’s difficulties. This author also believes in science and knowing the logical facts of situations; however, even science and the facts can be wrong or misinterpreted at times.

Christianity is just one piece that makes up this author’s worldview; however, it is this worldview that would influence this author the most if presented with this case or in this situation. Christianity would influence this author to have faith in God, or a higher power, to do what is right and what is best for the child. If the child survives birth, it is our duty as Christians to help take care of this child, to nurture and to love. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay). Science and advances in health care and technology are also available to make sure that the child has additional resources to find and have quality in life.

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Conclusion

As humans are unique individuals, each one has their own philosophies, theories and worldviews on life. Until one is presented with such a dilemma or situation, one is unable to exactly say what they would say, do or believe in when in such a situation. As everyone as a unique perspective on life and the way they perceive reality, it is important for one to be able to identify the worldviews of others around them. With an open mind and a greater understanding of the views around us, in our personal and professional lives we are able to be unbiased, caring and compassionate, find our purpose and meaning in life and develop our own moral compass to help guide us in today’s world. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Sample Essay).

 

References

Burnett, T. (n.d.). What is Scientism? Retrieved from www.aaas.org/page/what-scientism

HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality. (n.d.). Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ.

Materialism. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster online. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialism

Shelly, J.A., & Miller, A.B. (2006). Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing (2^nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic/InterVarsity Press Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Sample Essay).