A patient has acute abdominal pain. He belongs to the party of Republicans. He expresses his political views when possible. The patient’s views do not align with the nurse’s ones. The situation is inconvenient for the nurse. The nurse considers the option to hinder the treatment. The nurse may be involved in the discussion. This can result in prejudice or over-involvement. The focus can be removed from the patient’s needs. The situation may lead to adverse patient outcomes. The nurse is to follow the Code of Ethics for Nurses.
Ethical Provision
There is a provision directly related to the situation. It is Provision 1 in the Code of Ethics for Nurses. The option that the nurse considers cannot be accepted. The nurse is to follow the best ethical practices.
Ethical Principles
The first ethical principle is beneficence. It is expected that all patients get high-quality care. The patient’s disease should be treated properly. The best approach is to be identified.
The second ethical principle is justice. From the nursing perspective, political affiliation cannot distinguish a patient. Equal healthcare opportunities are essential. The patient has the absolute right to proper care.
Ethical Solution
The nurse should follow the described ethical foundations. The impact of the situation should be lessen. An individual approach should be developed. The patient does not have to feel any tension. A coherent conversation could be started.
The conversation should be conducted in the framework of healthcare. An escalation should be avoided. The nurse is to communicate ethically. Opportunities to refrain from political topics should be seized. Both parties are to focus on the disease.
Summary
- The issue that was raised is critical.
- Two ethical principles and Provision 1 were applied.
- The scenario given is realistic.
- The possible resolution was provided.
- Ethical approach and foundations were utilized.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Imperative Provisions. Web.
Registered Nursing. (2020). Ethical practice: NCLEX-RN. Web.