Ethical and legal implications

Scenerio

TF is an 18-month-old boy who was admitted to your hospital for failure to thrive and losing 6 lbs. You have found that he has extreme blockage throughout his GI system with severe impaction throughout. He is in a great deal of pain and is screaming. His parents are adamant that they do not want treatments due to religious beliefs. They have stated that the boy’s grandfather, an elder in their church, is on his way to pray over the boy and heal him.

Questions

Write a paper that addresses the following:

· Explain the ethical and legal implications of the scenario you selected on all stakeholders involved, such as the prescriber, pharmacist, patient, and patient’s family.

· Describe strategies to address disclosure and nondisclosure as identified in the scenario you selected. Be sure to reference laws specific to your state.

· Explain two strategies that you, as an advanced practice nurse, would use to guide your decision making in this scenario, including whether you would disclose your error. Be sure to justify your explanation.

· Explain the process of writing prescriptions, including strategies to minimize medication errors.

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Sample Answer

Ethical and Legal Implications of the Scenario

The scenario presented raises a number of ethical and legal implications for all stakeholders involved, including the prescriber, pharmacist, patient, and patient’s family.

Prescriber: The prescriber has a duty to provide their patients with the best possible care, even if it goes against the patient’s wishes. However, they also have a duty to respect their patients’ autonomy and right to self-determination. In this case, the prescriber must balance these two duties and decide whether to provide treatment to TF despite his parents’ objections.

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Pharmacist: The pharmacist also has a duty to provide patients with the best possible care, and to ensure that they understand the medications they are taking. However, they also have a duty to respect patients’ autonomy and right to refuse treatment. In this case, the pharmacist must decide whether to dispense medication to TF despite his parents’ objections.

Patient: TF is a minor, and his parents have the right to make decisions about his healthcare on his behalf. However, TF also has the right to receive the care he needs, even if it goes against his parents’ wishes. In this case, TF’s right to healthcare is in conflict with his parents’ right to religious freedom.

Patient’s Family: TF’s parents have the right to raise their child according to their religious beliefs. However, they also have a duty to provide their child with the basic necessities of life, including healthcare. In this case, TF’s parents’ religious beliefs are in conflict with their duty to provide him with healthcare.

Strategies to Address Disclosure and Nondisclosure

In the scenario presented, the prescriber and pharmacist have a duty to disclose the risks and benefits of treatment to TF’s parents. However, they also have a duty to respect TF’s parents’ right to refuse treatment.

In some states, healthcare providers have a duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect. In this case, the prescriber and pharmacist may need to report TF’s parents to the authorities if they believe that they are neglecting his healthcare needs.

Strategies for Decision Making

As an advanced practice nurse, I would use the following strategies to guide my decision making in this scenario:

  1. Assess TF’s condition. I would need to assess TF’s condition to determine how urgent his need for treatment is. If TF is in immediate danger, I would provide treatment regardless of his parents’ objections.
  2. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with TF’s parents. I would need to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with TF’s parents in a clear and concise manner. I would also need to respect their right to refuse treatment.
  3. Document my conversations with TF’s parents. I would need to document my conversations with TF’s parents in writing. This would help to protect me in the event that legal action is taken.

Whether to Disclose My Error

If I made an error that resulted in TF’s condition, I would disclose my error to TF’s parents. I would also document the error in TF’s medical record.

It is important to disclose errors to patients and their families so that they can make informed decisions about their care. It is also important to document errors so that they can be investigated and prevented from happening again.

Process of Writing Prescriptions

The process of writing prescriptions varies depending on the state in which you practice. However, there are some general principles that apply to all states.

When writing a prescription, be sure to include the following information:

  • Patient’s name and date of birth
  • Medication name, dose, and frequency
  • How long the patient should take the medication
  • Any special instructions, such as taking the medication with food or avoiding alcohol
  • Your name and signature

You should also be aware of any drug interactions or allergies that the patient may have.

Strategies to Minimize Medication Errors

There are a number of strategies that can be used to minimize medication errors. These strategies include:

  • Double-checking all prescriptions before submitting them to the pharmacy
  • Using electronic medication administration records (MARs)
  • Educating patients about their medications and how to take them properly
  • Reporting medication errors to the appropriate authorities

By following these strategies, healthcare providers can help to ensure that patients receive the safe and effective care they need.

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