Ethical Principles in Decision Making

1021 Words5 Pages
Ethical Principles in Decision Making
Andrea Franklin
Western Governors

Ethical Principles in Decision Making
The Alabama Board of Nursing standards of practice states in 610-X-6-.03 Conduct and
Accountability #1, that the registered nurse and licensed practical nurse shall: “Have knowledge and understanding of the laws and rules regulating nursing.” (Alabama Board of Nursing, 2009) It also states “Accept individual responsibility and accountability for recognition and appropriate nursing action following a change in the patient’s mental or physical status.” (Alabama Board of Nursing, 2009) As a Registered nurse in the state of Alabama I am required to understand and abide by the laws regulating nursing care. In this case study, I feel that is Dr. K is just trying to do what Doctors do and that’s save lives. Dr. K is not really looking at the ethical standpoint of the situation. He was correct in being concerned about Mr. E’s being competent enough to understand the severity of his condition but the brother should have been well informed and the issue of the advanced directive should have been explained and of course mentioned during the initial contact. Patient’s rights are supposed to be respected and carried out. I feel that Dr. K acting based on feelings as opposed to the issue at hand and not providing the total facts to the family in this scenario. In this scenario the above regulation implies that nurses are responsible for understanding and abiding by the laws that regulate nursing. Although, Dr. K was correct to be concerned about Mr. E’s being competent to understand the issue at hand regarding his medical status, the family should be informed totally. Nurses must be accountable for their actions and make sound decisions when administering care. Nurses should be knowledgeable enough to recognize and make appropriate

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