Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing
Nurses encounter ethical and legal issues each day caring for patients. Technology has advanced tremendously over the last few decades leading to more complex patient situations. The legal and ethical issues of two case studies will be examined to explain the dilemmas faced in health care today. The first case study concerns a nurse’s observance of negligence and a malpractice suit. The second is regarding the difficult decision of a family regarding medical decisions.
ANA Code of Nursing Ethics
The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics can influence the outcome of Marianne’s situation by taking into account of, “Respect for human dignity and the rights of the patient as an individual must be observed” (American Nurses Association, 2001). An ideal case would have “The nurse’s legal and moral obligation is to uphold primacy of the patient's interests” (American Nurses Association, 2001). Unfortunately, Marianne had neither an advanced directive and her family had conflicting wishes despite the poor prognosis. The patient’s prognosis and quality of life need to be discussed with the family. Then a decision can be made accounting for the patient’s best interest. If this should be unsuccessful, the nurse should involve the ethics committee. That way the wishes of the patient and possible outcomes can facilitate discussions on which course of action should be taken.
Nurses should always champion their patient’s best interest, when they cannot stand up for themselves. The ANA would define standard of care “by the care delivered is consistent with the highest quality of care available in the community” (American Nurses Association, 2001). By following the ANA’s standard of care that each patient should receive will the best choices be made for the patient. Although, the outcome may not be favorable for all parties.\
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