Explain The Ethical And Legal Implications Of Scenario Y

Explain The Ethical And Legal Implications Of The Scenario You Selecte

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. Introduction and conclusion

AC is a 72-year-old male who is admitted to your ICU after suffering a massive stroke that has left him unresponsive and unable to communicate. He is currently on a ventilator. It was discovered that the stroke was the result of a medication error. His wife of 48 years is available along with their one adult daughter. The wife informs you that they don’t have any advanced directives, but she is “pretty sure her husband would not want to live like this.” However, their daughter is adamant her dad would want to be kept alive in case there is any chance to come out of this.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario presented raises significant ethical and legal issues that involve multiple stakeholders, primarily the patient, the family members, healthcare providers, and the institution. Analyzing the implications of these issues is crucial to ensure ethical integrity, legal compliance, and patient-centered care. As an advanced practice nurse faced with such a complex situation, understanding the framework for decision-making and legal considerations is essential.

Ethical implications in this scenario include considerations of informed consent, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The patient, being unresponsive and unable to communicate, complicates the application of autonomy, which is a core principle in medical ethics. The lack of an advanced directive further complicates decision-making. Respecting the patient’s presumed wishes, based on family input, raises questions about the validity of substitute decision-making. The wife’s belief that her husband would not want to live in his current state aligns with respecting patient autonomy, yet the daughter’s desire to preserve life reflects the principle of beneficence.

Legally, the situation involves criminal and civil liabilities related to the medication error, which led to the stroke and the patient’s current condition. State laws regarding malpractice, negligence, and reporting medication errors govern the legal responsibilities of healthcare providers. In many states, health institutions are mandated to report adverse events, including medication errors, and there may be obligations around disclosure to family members or legal surrogates. Moreover, laws concerning Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and life-sustaining treatments influence what can legally be done without explicit directives.

Addressing disclosure and nondisclosure involves ethical and legal considerations. Transparency is vital for maintaining trust and integrity within healthcare. The healthcare team should disclose the medication error to the family, explaining the circumstances and potential consequences, as mandated by the ethical principle of honesty and often reinforced by state laws. However, the decision to disclose must consider the potential impact on the patient’s family dynamics and psychological well-being. As per laws in many jurisdictions, disclosure must be truthful but also compassionate, emphasizing patient safety and accountability.

As an advanced practice nurse, two strategies are critical in guiding decision-making in this scenario: first, adhering to ethical principles and legal obligations by practicing honesty and transparency; second, consulting institutional policies and legal counsel when uncertain about disclosure protocols. Disclosing the error aligns with fostering trust and correcting the mistake, which supports ongoing quality improvement and prevents future errors. Justifying disclosure involves recognizing that withholding information infringes on the family’s right to know and may result in legal repercussions if nondisclosure is discovered later.

Regarding the decision to disclose or not disclose the error, many professionals lean toward full transparency based on ethical standards and the importance of patient safety. However, in certain circumstances—such as when disclosure may cause significant harm or legal repercussions—discretion is necessary, always ensuring that communication remains honest and compassionate. As an advanced practice nurse, I would advocate for disclosure of the medication error, emphasizing the importance of honesty and ethical responsibility, ultimately supporting the family in making informed care decisions.

The process of writing prescriptions is fundamental in ensuring patient safety and reducing medication errors. It involves a systematic approach: verifying patient identity, confirming appropriate medication choice and dosage, and understanding the patient’s medical history. Use of electronic prescribing systems can minimize errors such as illegible handwriting and drug interactions. Strategies to reduce medication errors include implementing bar-code verification systems, standardized protocols, and ongoing staff education. Clear documentation and communication with the entire healthcare team are essential to ensure accurate prescribing, dispensing, and administration.

In conclusion, managing the ethical and legal issues surrounding medication errors and life-sustaining treatments requires careful consideration of all stakeholders, transparency, and adherence to legal standards. As an advanced practice nurse, guiding decisions through ethical principles, thorough documentation, and open communication fosters trust, ensures compliance, and promotes patient-centered care. Continuous education on prescribing practices and legal regulations further enhances the safety and quality of healthcare delivery, ultimately fostering a culture of safety and accountability.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• GMC. (2013). Good Medical Practice. General Medical Council. https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-medical-practice
• Institute for Safe Medication Practices. (2020). Strategies to prevent medication errors. ISMP
• Jones, J. M. (2019). Ethical decision making in nursing and healthcare. Springer Publishing.
• Legislation.gov.uk. (2020). Legal duties and responsibilities related to medication errors. UK Government.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2022). Nurse Practice Acts and regulations. NCSBN.
• Wachter, R. M. (2017). Medical error—the third leading cause of death in the US. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(20), 2007-2009.
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Publishing.
• Leape, L. L., & Berwick, D. M. (2005). Five years after To Err Is Human: what have we learned? JAMA, 293(19), 2384-2390.
• World Health Organization. (2017). Medication safety challenges. WHO Guidelines.