We first explained to her what we were going to do and asked for her consent, which was given verbally, the patient was unable to communicate do to the stroke however when we asked for her consent she nodded her head. The Code of Conduct states ‘those who are legally competent may give consent in writing, orally, or by co-operation’ (Nursing and Midwifery Council 2002).We maintained safe practice by clearing any obstacles around the patient’s area. We also maintained the patients’ privacy and dignity as we pulled the curtains on the window and closed the
The nursing staff reported that her chest infection had resolved and she was now more alert. They did get her out of bed but with lot of difficulty, as she would not follow any instructions or commands. The first time I saw her I had the rehab assistant with me. We were going to assess her ability to walk. I together with the rehab assistant tried to get her to walk, but we were not able to convince her to even stand from sitting in the chair.
Nursing Code Provisions Two examples of how provisions from a nursing code of ethics have influenced my practice are provisions one and two. Provision one states, “The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, person attributes, or the nature of health problems.” (“Code of Ethics,” 2014) Recently I cared for a young woman who suffered a PEA arrest (Pulseless electrical activity) secondary to a pulmonary embolism. Her PEA arrest had left her in a vegetative state due to her anoxic brain injury. She and her husband were both very religious and believed in life. Most of the nurses I work with thought the family was being unreasonable stating, “If it were my family member, I would not want his or her life prolonged.” Despite what the nurse believes in, it is important to not disrespect what the family believes in
Mrs T suffers from Headaches and is prescribed medication for this on an ‘as and when required basis’. Mrs T is alert and aware when she has headaches and will express her need for this medication independently. Although Mrs T can express her immediate needs her Dementia has affected her long and short term memory. Mrs T does not have capacity and an assessment has been completed. It had been reported to the Manager by a member of staff that she had witnessed another member of staff speaking to Mrs T inappropriately and had refused to give Mrs T medication which she had requested for her headaches and had concerns regarding this conduct.
I feel that withholding information on a lucid patient fully in control of her mental faculties is tantamount to lying. I believe the patient has the right to know the conditions surrounding her health care treatment plan. Step 4 I verbalize the problem by saying, “Should I inform the patient of her terminal health care condition or should I follow the wishes of the patients’ daughter and withhold information on the seriousness of her condition?” Step 5 There are many courses of action possible, but I believe the best outcomes would like along these three possible scenarios. The first option would be to disclose all medically pertinent information to the patient so that she is fully informed. The second option would be to as for assistance from a social worker or a preacher or priest from the members church to talk with the daughter and mother.
White cap: Information Marianne is a 79-year-old woman with hemorrhagic stroke. She has been placed on a respirator, unresponsive, pupils dilated and non-responsive to light. Physician recommends surgery to remove blood clot but does not offer much reassurance that she would recover function. She has no advance directives. Husband wants to try everything, but children believe she would not want the surgery and a poor quality of life, which they agree is the likely outcome.
After different nurses had went in and tried working with this patient I went in. After entering the room I introduced myself to the patient and got straight to the point. I informed the patient that medicine could not be left at bedside it was against the hospital policy. Also I explained that the only medicines administered to him were the ones ordered by his doctor; and some medications that the doctor ordered was multiple dose. I discussed with the patient also that some medicine is not as effective when not taken all at the same time.
Also it is important to know that the patient’s medicine is just that – it is the patient’s medicine. It shouldn’t be given to a family member with the same symptom. The last intervention that is useful to patient’s especially older patients is to contact their local pharmacy and stay in the loop with your patient. Or provide the patients prescribing doctors contact number if there is any concern about medicine at the pharmacy when the patient is picking it up. A pharmacist may have seen something that the doctor may have overlooked for
Having been by the bedside, I have dedicated my profession to help people take care of themselves as I would myself. I believe that these people are sick and they are not equip to with the right knowledge and equipment to take care of themselves to the best of their abilities. And because they are sick, I should be helpful in comforting them during their stay. I have learned to equality for all patients. Since they are in a hospital bed, dressed in a hospital gown, I cannot judge or formulate an opinion of people’s background i.e.
Patient confidentiality and adhering to my scope of practice is essential to my success in the healthcare field. The project scenario states a patient left my office after receiving an outpatient procedure. I am a medical assistant and have discovered that he left without his prescriptions and after care instructions. Since these are of extreme importance, I pull his chart to look at his contact information. I see he has a signed HIPAA release form and adequate patient contact information.