Ethical And Legal Implications Of Prescribing Drugs 918173 ✓ Solved

Ethical and Legal Implications of Prescribing Drugs at Least 3 citations and references

As a nurse practitioner, prescribing medications involves a profound ethical and legal responsibility to ensure patient safety and adhere to regulatory standards. The scenario where an incorrect dose is prescribed—specifically, an adult dosage for a 5-year-old patient—raises significant issues impacting all stakeholders involved, including the prescriber, pharmacist, patient, and the patient's family. The ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice serve as foundational guides in navigating such situations, emphasizing the duty to do no harm and to act in the best interest of the patient (Fowler & American Nurses Association, 2015).

Legally, prescribing the wrong dose constitutes a medication error, which can have serious repercussions, including malpractice claims, loss of licensure, and disciplinary actions from regulatory agencies like state nursing boards. State laws delineate prescriptive authority, including restrictions on prescribing controlled substances and requirements for proper documentation and oversight (Ladd & Hoyt, 2016). Errors related to pediatric dosing are particularly critical due to the narrow therapeutic window and increased risk for adverse effects. Therefore, adherence to established dosing guidelines and institutional policies is mandatory to mitigate legal liabilities and safeguard patient health (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2018).

From the patient's and family's perspective, such errors can undermine trust in healthcare providers, cause emotional distress, and potentially lead to physical harm. Transparency and effective communication are essential in ethically managing medication errors, emphasizing honesty and accountability. Concealing or being non-disclosure about medication mistakes contravenes ethical standards and can exacerbate harm, diminish patient trust, and lead to legal consequences (Fowler & American Nurses Association, 2015).

Strategies to address disclosure include implementing a culture of transparency within healthcare settings, which encourages timely and honest communication about errors. Disclosing mistakes aligns with legal mandates and ethical obligations, fostering trust and promoting corrective actions to prevent recurrence. According to state-specific laws, healthcare practitioners must inform patients and families about medication errors and document these disclosures meticulously. For instance, some states have ‘apology laws’ protecting providers from legal liability if they disclose errors, emphasizing the importance of honesty (Ladd & Hoyt, 2016).

As an advanced practice nurse, guiding decision-making involves adopting strategies such as adhering strictly to prescribing protocols, engaging in shared decision-making with patients, and consulting with pharmacology experts or institutional committees when uncertainties arise. When contemplating whether to disclose an error, ethical practice mandates transparency, especially when the error could harm the patient. Disclosing promotes trust, allows for timely intervention, and aligns with the professional code of ethics. Justification for disclosing includes the duty to minimize harm and uphold patient autonomy (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2018).

Writing prescriptions accurately is a vital process that involves clear documentation of medication name, dose, frequency, and route of administration. Implementing strategies such as the use of electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems, and standardized prescription templates can significantly reduce medication errors. Educating oneself on drug interactions, contraindications, and specific patient factors like age, weight, and kidney function further enhances safety. For pediatric patients, weight-based dosing calculations and adherence to pediatric dosing guidelines are critical to prevent underdosing or overdosing (Sabatino et al., 2017; Rosenthal & Burchum, 2018).

In conclusion, prescribing errors in pediatric patients necessitate a comprehensive understanding of legal regulations, ethical standards, and clinical guidelines. Transparency and adherence to best practices can mitigate risks and foster a culture of safety. As a nurse practitioner, continual education and diligent application of prescribing protocols are essential to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

References

• Fowler, M. D. M., & American Nurses Association. (2015). Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements: Development, Interpretation, and Application. Silver Spring, Maryland: American Nurses Association.
• Ladd, E., & Hoyt, A. (2016). Shedding light on nurse practitioner prescribing. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 12(3), 166–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.09.17
• Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2018). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice providers. Elsevier.
• Sabatino, J. A., Pruchnicki, M. C., Sevin, A. M., Barker, E., Green, C. G., & Porter, K. (2017). Improving prescribing practices: A pharmacist-led educational intervention for nurse practitioner students. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(5), 248–254. https://doi.org/10.1002/.12446