CASE STUDY
Included in section 1300.360 RN Scope of Practice, Title 68 Professions and Occupations of the Nurse Practice Act it clearly states that nurses will advocate for patients. What this means to me is that if a patient is not of sound mental or physical state, that the nurse will act as the patients advocate in any situation that could or would affect the patient’s medical status. In this case in particular, the patient has an “advanced directive” in place that states his medical wishes. The patient also has a diagnosis of a mild mental retardation condition. The case study does not elaborate on the extent to the mental retardation; however he does have the legal advanced ...view middle of the document...
Patients have the right to make decisions that are what they want, and not always what is medically appropriate. Patients have the right to refuse treatment at any time. I do feel that it would be unethical for Mr. H to make the decision to place the patient on a ventilator as he is not the brother with power of attorney. The doctor or nurse may not know the family dynamics or history between the patient and brother. There may be a valid reason that Mr. E chose brother, Mr. B to be the durable power of attorney and not Mr. H. In my opinion it is medically unethical for Dr. G to put the patient on a ventilator as the patient has clearly listed this is not his wishes.
In many situations, nurses act autonomously. They carry out orders that are written by physicians. They are usually acting or performing the actions on their own, without direct supervision. Autonomy in the nursing profession, means that the nurse has the proper training and control over the knowledge that will be utilized. Nurse autonomy reflects on accountability and commitments. One has to be accountable for their actions or lack there of. One must also be commited to the profession of nursing. Being committed to the nursing profession also encompasses making ethical and good moral decisions. If a physician or provider makes unethecial decisions or orders, a nurse may express his/her autonomy by removing or refusing to be part of that decision. Nurses are not bound by law to follow decisions that would or could harm the patient. This would also apply if the patient has expressed their personal decisions regarding their healthcare decisions. The Board of Nursing Regulations (BONR) supports these actions so as the acts are being performed within the scope of practice. The BONR also states that nurses will respect the patients’ rights, concerns, decisions and dignity. The BONR also supports nurses in promoting safe and therapeutic environments for patients. Acting in conjunction with the physician in this situation would violate this standard. In this situation, the nurse would only be...
