Ethicsin Nursing
CaseStudy 1
Utilitarianand deontology are two different approaches applied in ethicalreasoning. The utilitarian approach upholds outcomes as incomparableas opposed to the process of achieving them. Conversely, deontologyuses moral reasoning and duty as the basic principles. Also, theprocess of arriving at the end results have to abide by the laid downprocedures whether those involved approve them or not.
Mrs.N and her husband lived happily before she developed dementia. Thecouple decided that happiness to them was the primary consideration.To achieve it, they decided on important aspects of their lives,including, their desires. Mrs. N confided that she would not like tobe put on a breathing machine to prolong her life. In healthprocedures, utilitarianism extends to involve the decision not to usecertain life-supporting procedures. Similarly, Mrs. N would not wantto undergo through such a life-saving process. When she suffersPneumonia, the doctor finds it appropriate to feed her through atube. Her husband is apprehensive of the idea since he believes it issimilar to putting her on a breathing machine. His utilitarianattitude drives him to develop a negative attitude towards the idea.
Theideology of deontology also emerges in this case. The doctor, afterconfirming that Mrs. N cannot swallow anything is positive thattube-feeding is the most appropriate way. As the physicianresponsible for Mrs. N’s health, he has to abide by to the bestpractice while disregarding what the couple believes. Desisting frominserting the tube might bring happiness to Mr. N as he would befulfilling his wife’s wish. However, medical ethics do not allowsuch neglect. The end (their happiness) must be subject to a moraland ethically consistent medical practice.
CaseStudy Two
Deborah’scase involves both the legal and ethical aspects. Coming up withfalse diagnosis contradicts the ethics of medical practice.Conversely, swindling the Medicaid program is a legal issue. The caseprimarily invokes two major principles. First, falsifying diagnosisgoes against the value of beneficence. The attribute connotes thatmedical procedures should serve the best interest of the patient. Italso demands that health practitioners maintain skills and knowledgein carrying out their activities. The issue at the health facilityalso rebuts the ethical component of justice. Justice asserts thathealthcare providers should be compliant with the establishedlegislations.
Collaboratingin the plan may result in deleterious legal implications on Deborah.She will become part of the facility’s conspiracy to pilfer fundsfrom the Medicaid program. Being part of the part will render herguilty of any charges that may be deemed appropriate by law if theiractivities come to the light of the authorities.
Also,it is nefarious to treat patients for an imaginary ailment. Theethical implications of the situation may extend to the facilitylosing operation license. Also, should any of the patients developside effects for a non-deserving treatment the facility will beliable for malpractice. From a legal perspective, it is unlawful todevise a method of scamming the Medicaid program. The parties involvemay be sued for criminal activity.
Deborahis aware of the ethical and legal issues pertinent to the situation.As a professional nurse, she should turn down the offer of the job.Although it may cost her position in the short-run, it may protecther career. Also, she should blow the whistle of such malpracticepossibly as an anonymous party. The move would not only protectfellow practitioners from a forced malpractice but also the patients.