The Case Study Demonstrates A Role-Related And Ethical Conce ✓ Solved

The Case Study Demonstrates A Role Related And Ethical Conundrum

The case study demonstrates a role related and ethical conundrum when the nurse is taking care of an end stage aggressive lung cancer patient, Mr. Wilson, who expressed suicidal intentions to the nurse and asked to keep the secret from his family and the hospital staff. If the nurse knows of Mr. Wilson's plan for rational suicide, would the nurse be obligated to intervene? If so, what actions could the nurse take at this point?

Does a nurse have the right to try to stop a person from committing rational suicide (to act in the best interest of the patient)? Is a nurse supposed to support the person’s autonomous decision to commit rational suicide? even when that decision is morally and religiously incompatible with the nurse’s perspective? What is the nurse role? The case study must be typed in APA format with a minimum of 750 words (excluding first and references page) with a minimum of 4 evidence-based references using the required Arial 12 font. Follow the APA example paper under the folder APA tools. Make sure references are used according to APA guidelines and electronic references must be from reliable sources.

Paper For Above Instructions

The ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers often become particularly pronounced in cases involving terminal illnesses and patients expressing suicidal intentions. The situation with Mr. Wilson, a patient with aggressive lung cancer, illustrates a profound ethical conundrum concerning the balance between patient autonomy and the ethical duty to protect life. This paper examines the obligations of nurses in such a scenario, exploring the complexities surrounding rational suicide and the moral implications of intervening when patients express a desire to end their suffering.

Understanding Patient Autonomy

Patient autonomy is a foundational principle in medical ethics, implying that patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including the choices surrounding end-of-life care. According to Beauchamp and Childress (2019), respecting patient autonomy means acknowledging their capacity to make informed decisions, even when those decisions may be controversial or difficult. In Mr. Wilson's case, he has articulated a desire for rational suicide, pointing to a clear understanding of his terminal condition and the suffering associated with it. However, this raises important questions about whether it is ethical for the nurse to respect this wish or to intervene.

The Role of the Nurse

Nurses occupy a unique position in healthcare, serving both as advocates for their patients and as key decision-makers in the care process. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics asserts that nurses must advocate for the health, safety, and rights of patients (ANA, 2015). This advocacy role can conflict with the desire to respect a patient’s autonomy, particularly when a patient's wish for rational suicide challenges the moral beliefs of the nurse. In this case, the nurse must navigate a fine line between protecting life and honoring the patient’s choices.

Ethical Obligations to Intervene

The ethical obligation of the nurse to intervene when a patient expresses suicidal intentions can be grounded in the principle of beneficence, which calls for actions that promote the well-being and safety of the patient. In cases of suicidal ideation, especially when patients are in severe pain or distress from terminal illness, this obligation becomes even more complex (Mackenzie et al., 2016). While Mr. Wilson's choice might appear rational to him, healthcare professionals must assess the psychological state of the patient comprehensively. It may be essential to conduct a psychiatric evaluation to determine the underlying factors contributing to Mr. Wilson's suicidal thoughts, as they may be influenced by treatable depression or anxiety (Chochinov, 2012). Thus, the nurse could have a duty to ensure that Mr. Wilson receives appropriate mental health care, thus preserving life while allowing for autonomous decision-making.

Moral and Religious Considerations

Nurses come from diverse backgrounds with varying moral and religious beliefs that may affect their response to patient requests for assisted suicide. For example, some nurses may view participation in any suicide-related actions as incompatible with their personal beliefs, leading to a moral distress (DeMarco, 2017). In such instances, it is vital for nurses to engage in open dialogues with their patients while ensuring that their discomfort does not impede the care they provide. Ethical frameworks such as ethical pluralism allow for the coexistence of different moral perspectives, fostering an understanding that some nurses may need to opt-out of providing care related to assisted suicide while still supporting the patient's autonomy in non-directive ways (Raus et al., 2016).

Legal Considerations

In many jurisdictions, the legal ramifications of assisting a patient in ending their life are significant. Nurses must be aware of the laws governing euthanasia and assisted suicide in their respective areas. In some places, actions seen as facilitating suicide could lead to criminal charges against the healthcare provider. Therefore, nurses should familiarize themselves with local legislation and institutional policies regarding end-of-life care to mitigate legal risks (Quill & Brody, 1996).

Potential Actions for the Nurse

If a nurse finds themselves in a position where a patient expresses the desire for rational suicide, several possible actions could be pursued. First, the nurse can initiate a candid discussion with the patient about his feelings, motivations, and mental state, providing a supportive environment for Mr. Wilson to express his concerns. Furthermore, the nurse can advocate for a multidisciplinary team approach, involving psychologists or psychiatrists to explore underlying mental health issues actively.

The nurse could also encourage palliative care interventions aimed at relieving suffering and improving quality of life. Such actions may help Mr. Wilson reassess his desire for suicide as they focus on pain management and emotional support rather than on hastening death. Ultimately, if Mr. Wilson remains resolute about his decision, the nurse must navigate the terrain of ethical and professional responsibilities without compromising their moral integrity.

Conclusion

The case of Mr. Wilson raises significant ethical, moral, and legal questions concerning patient autonomy and the role of nurses in end-of-life care. While patient autonomy must be respected, nurses also have a duty to protect life and promote patient well-being. The nuances of rational suicide illustrate the challenges nurses face, necessitating a thoughtful and sensitive approach that weighs ethical obligations against personal beliefs and legal responsibilities. In grappling with these issues, nurses can foster a patient-centered framework that emphasizes respect, compassion, and advocacy.

References

• American Nurses Association (ANA). (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Nursesbooks.org.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Chochinov, H. M. (2012). Dying, dignity, and new horizons in palliative care. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 184(13), 1469-1470.
• DeMarco, R. F. (2017). The Ethics of Nursing: A Guide for Beginners. Nursing Ethics, 24(1), 12-20.
• Mackenzie, C. R., et al. (2016). The moral distress of nurses in end-of-life care: An integrative review. Nursing Ethics, 23(4), 447-463.
• Quill, T. E., & Brody, H. (1996). Physician-assisted dying: A compassionate response to human suffering. Annals of Internal Medicine, 125(2), 114-118.
• Raus, K., et al. (2016). Ethical pluralism and the role of healthcare providers in assisted dying. Journal of Medical Ethics, 42(7), 465-471.