BIOETHICS DLP.docx
MORALES, REIGNA JHAN D.
2 BSN 5
NCM 108 DLP
3 Common Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice
1. Beneficence vs. Non-maleficence
One of the most fundamental ethical dilemmas faced by nurses is the tension between beneficence and non-maleficence. Beneficence requires nurses to act in a way that promotes the good of their patients. This includes preventing harm, removing existing harm, and promoting well-being. On the other hand, non-maleficence requires nurses to avoid causing harm to their patients. This includes both intentional and unintentional harm.
- A common example of this ethical dilemma is the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment from a terminally ill patient. On the one hand, continuing treatment may prolong the patient's suffering. On the other hand, withdrawing treatment may be seen as hastening the patient's death. Nurses must weigh the potential benefits and harms of both options and make a decision that is in the best interests of the patient.
2. Autonomy vs. Paternalism
Another common ethical dilemma faced by nurses is the tension between autonomy and paternalism. Autonomy requires nurses to respect their patients' right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. This includes providing patients with information about their condition, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits. Paternalism, on the other hand, involves nurses overriding patients' wishes in order to protect them from harm.
- A common example of this ethical dilemma is the decision to force a patient to undergo a blood transfusion, even if the patient has religious objections. While the nurse may believe that the transfusion is necessary to save the patient's life, the patient's religious beliefs may lead them to refuse the treatment. Nurses must weigh the importance of respecting patient autonomy against the potential risks of allowing the patient to make a decision that could harm them.
3. Justice
The principle of justice requires nurses to treat all patients fairly and equitably, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or other factors. This includes providing equal access to care and avoiding discrimination.
- A common example of this ethical dilemma is the decision about how to allocate scarce resources among patients with competing needs. For example, a nurse may need to decide which patient should receive a limited supply of a life-saving medication. Nurses must weigh the needs of individual patients against the overall interests of the community and make a decision that is fair and just.
3 Common Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice in the Philippines
1. Resource Allocation
The Philippine healthcare system is often faced with limited resources, such as medications, equipment, and beds. Nurses must often make difficult decisions about how to allocate these resources among patients. This can be especially challenging in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.
- A common example of this ethical dilemma is the decision about whether to provide life-saving care to a patient with a chronic illness or to provide palliative care to a patient with a terminal illness. Nurses must weigh the needs of individual patients against the overall interests of the community and make a decision that is fair and just.
2. Cultural Sensitivity
The Philippines is a culturally diverse country, with a rich tapestry of traditions and beliefs. Nurses must be sensitive to the cultural needs of their patients and provide culturally appropriate care. This can be especially challenging in a healthcare system that is often Westernized.
- A common example of this ethical dilemma is the decision about whether to respect a patient's traditional healing practices or to insist on Western medical treatment. Nurses must weigh the importance of respecting patient autonomy against the potential risks of allowing the patient to use ineffective or harmful treatments.
3. Corruption
Corruption is a significant problem in the Philippine healthcare system, and it can have a negative impact on patient care. Nurses may face pressure to engage in corrupt practices, such as accepting bribes or kickbacks. This can be especially challenging in a healthcare system where resources are limited and competition for jobs is high.
- A common example of this ethical dilemma is the decision about whether to accept a bribe from a pharmaceutical company in exchange for prescribing their products. Nurses must weigh the potential benefits of accepting the bribe against the risks of compromising their ethical integrity.
5 Common Examples of Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing
1. Withholding or withdrawing treatment
Nurses may face situations where they must decide whether to continue or discontinue life-sustaining treatment for a patient who is terminally ill.
Dilemma: This decision involves balancing the patient's right to autonomy with the ethical principle of non-maleficence.
2. Confidentiality vs. disclosure
Nurses have a duty to maintain patient confidentiality. However, there may be situations where disclosing patient information is necessary to protect public health or prevent harm.
Dilemma: Nurses must weigh the importance of confidentiality against the potential risks of non-disclosure.
3. Informed consent
Nurses must ensure that patients have adequate information to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Dilemma: Nurses may face situations where patients lack the capacity to understand or consent to treatment.
4. End-of-life care
Nurses play a crucial role in providing compassionate and supportive care to patients and their families during the dying process.
Dilemma: Nurses may face decisions about whether to prolong a patient's life or allow them to die peacefully.
5. Allocation of scarce resources
Nurses may be involved in decisions about how to allocate limited healthcare resources, such as organ transplants or expensive medications.
Dilemma: Nurses must balance the needs of individual patients with the overall interests of the community.
3 Legal Issues in Nursing in the Philippines
1. Negligence
Nurses can be held liable for negligence if they fail to provide reasonable care, resulting in harm to a patient. This includes acts of omission (failing to do something that should have been done) and commission (doing something that should not have been done).
Example: A nurse who fails to administer a medication as prescribed, leading to adverse consequences for the patient. This could constitute negligence if the nurse's actions were below the standard of care expected of a reasonable nurse in similar circumstances.
2. Malpractice
Malpractice is a form of professional negligence that involves a breach of the standard of care expected of a nurse. It typically involves a professional error or omission that results in harm to a patient.
Example: A nurse who administers the wrong medication to a patient, resulting in serious harm. This could constitute malpractice if the nurse's actions were below the standard of care expected of a reasonable nurse in similar circumstances, and if the patient's harm was directly caused by the nurse's error.
3. Assault and Battery
Nurses can be held liable for assault and battery if they intentionally cause harm to a patient or touch them without their consent. Assault is the threat of imminent harm, while battery is the actual physical contact.
Example: A nurse who forces a patient to take medication against their will could be accused of battery. If the nurse threatens to harm the patient if they refuse the medication, this could constitute assault.