Identify and describe the bioethical and legal issues related to contemporary nursing practice

CASE STUDY

I (Identify)

This is RN Fiona handing over to morning shift. I have been caring for Fred, 73- year-old male, on night shift.

S (Situation)

Fred had a laparotomy for acute bowel obstruction yesterday. His recovery has been uneventful and vital signs within normal limits. Slept well during the night and hasn’t complained of pain. This morning he has become confused and disorientated. He has now soiled the bed and smeared faeces in his hair and over his abdominal wound. He became aggressive when I tried to attend to his hygiene needs and stated he’s “conducting a scientific experiment”. I tried to explain that his wound could get infected if we didn’t clean it, but he was more abusive and pulled out his intravenous cannula.

B (Background)

He was alert and oriented yesterday evening. He is a retired barrister.

A (Agree a Plan)

We need to provide Fred with safe and respectful care.

R (Recommendation)

I’m not sure how we can resolve this situation?

FRAMEWORK

1. Introduction 1 MARK

- describe the purpose of the paper and introduce structure of essay

- DO NOT summarise the case study

2. Legal Issues

2.1 Consent 12 MARKS

Use this section to

- Define the legal issue of consent

- Describe valid consent.

- Ensure relevant legislation, case law or WA Health Policy is identified.

- Apply the legal issue of consent to the case study.

- Consider the potential consequences related to the consent process.

2.2 Professional Practice 12 MARKS

- Define professional practice and professional misconduct in nursing.

- Ensure relevant legislation, case law or WA Health Policy is identified.

- Describe the relationship between the legislation, national board and professional conduct.

- Identify, describe and apply to the case study 2 different elements from the professional practice framework and how they guide decision making in this case. Choose at least one from the RN Standards for Practice.

- The professional practice framework includes the Code of Conduct for Nurses, ICN Code of Ethics, RN Standards for Practice, NSQHS Standards

3. Ethical Issues 12 MARKS

- Use the ethical theory of Principlism to demonstrate ethical decision-making.

- Define the 4 main bioethical principles and apply each to the case study.

• Autonomy
• Beneficence
• Non-maleficence
• Justice

- Identify and discuss the conflicts between the ethical principles.

4. Resolution 6 MARKS

- Identify the best course of action to resolve this situation.

- Clearly state what action the nurses should take.

- How is this action supported and not supported by the legal issues identified?

- How is this action supported and not supported by the ethical issues identified?