Reflective Skills Report

271 Words2 Pages
Mary lacks mental capacity. If someone is unable to make a decision for themselves at the material time because of an impairment of the mind, then that person can be said to lack the mental capacity to make that decision. According to the law a person is defined as being unable to make decisions for themselves if they are not able to either understand the information given to them, retain that information long enough to be able to make that decision, weigh up the information available to make a decision or communicate their decision by any possible means, (The Mental Capacity Act, 2005). Kate provided her with information regarding the health benefits that come with her walking rather than using a wheel chair, stating that it would benefit her as physical activity would improve her blood circulation, increase her muscular, skin and vascular tone as well as enhancing her self-esteem. She also gave Mary the choice of using a frame or a walking stick to assist her. As the professional in the situation, the student nurse tried to convince Mary to walk to benefit her health, she used her authority to manipulate Mary to choose to walk as it will benefit her best, medically. In this situation the student was forced to deny Mary’s autonomy and ability to choose her form of mobility. This in turn meant that Mary would be achieving the greatest amount of good in the situation which mirror’s the principle of beneficence. This ethical principle suggests that ethical theories should strive to achieve the greatest amount of good because people benefit from the most
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