Question

Answer the questions based on the following case scenario Nurse Maria admits patient Sam to his room following surgery. His diagnosis is metastatic colon cancer. The patient’s family members have apparently talked with the physician and know the diagnosis. However, the physician advises the nursing staff that he will not be telling the patient his diagnosis until he is on antidepressants for a few days because the patient has a history of severe depression. During the first 2 days following surgery, the patient frequently asks the nursing staff about the results of the surgery and lab reports. The physician visits the patient twice, but still does not tell him his diagnosis. The wife and children are finding it difficult to avoid the questions Mr. Sam asks. They keep asking the nurse when the patient will be told his diagnosis, and the nurse feels caught between the patient’s requests, the family’s requests, and the physician’s plan. The nurse firmly believes that the patient has a right to know his condition but does not believe that it is her responsibility to tell him. Q1. Explain which ethical theory and principles guided the physician decision regarding to delay informing the patient about his medical diagnosis? a. The ethical theory b. The ethical principles Q2. Did the nurse face an ethical dilemma in this clinical situation? Explain your answer based on the ethical principles that might guide the nursing action. Q3. Which ethical theory the nurse was considered when she addressed that it was not her responsibility to inform the patient about his diagnosis? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

1. The ethical theory which guides the physician is virtue theory ( making a decision in light of those favoured virtues ) and the ethical principle is Non - malificence( not harming the patient )

2. Yes, the nurse is facing ethical dilemma, should she follow the ethical principles and say the diagnosis to the patient or should she hide it for the welfare of the patient as per physician advise .

3. The ethical theory that the nurse considered when she addressed that it was not her responsibility to inform the patient about his diagnosis is deontological ethics in which identifying one's duty and acting accordingly .