1. Identify Issues and Collect Information
Identify the problem
1. Does Ginty have a capacity to refuse or withdraw her treatment and does the nurse, Sharna, have a duty of care towards Ginty and her decision to refuse treatment which would prolong her life.
2. Does Sharna have an obligation to report suspected child abuse to protect Ginty’s children?

Who is involved?
• Ginty McTaggart (patient)
• Nurse Sharna
• Ginty’s cousin Garry
• Ginty’s daughters
• Medical team

2. Evaluate the Issue
Ethical Principles
Autonomy –Autonomy in the health framework is described as ‘every human being of adult, more than 18 years and with a capacity has a right to determine what should be done with their own body’ (Schloendorff v Society of New York …show more content…
(Re T Adult: Refusal of Treatment).

Beneficence – Is acting in the best interest of the patient, even though Sharna RN believes that treatment could prolong Ginty’s life. Ginty’s best interest to withdraw her treatment should be respected. Sharna and the medical team are obligated to respect Ginty’s right to make her own decision regarding discontinuing her treatment which may be causing her more harm than a good.

Non-Maleficence – The duty to do no harm and to protect others from harm. It also means doing minimal harm to reach a beneficial outcome. Sharna and the medical team must respect Ginty’s request to stop treatment even though treatment could be considered more harm than good. It is important for the treating team to act in a way to deliver Ginty health care which is within the limits of the Code of Ethics and Conduct. Furthermore, it is within Sharna’s duty to inform the Child Protection Authority to protect Ginty’s daughters from further …show more content…
Decision-making CS 2.2 (a)” take a person-centered approach to …. concerns, supporting the person in a manner consistent with that person’s values and preferences” (p.7)
• Regard less Sharan’s believes that further treatment might prolong Ginty’s life, Sharna’s should respect Ginty’s values and preferences regarding her decision.
CS 2.2 (c)” support the right of people to…. the right to refuse treatment/care” (p.7)
• Sharna should facilitate Ginty by supporting that she has right to refuse her treatment.
End-of-life care
CS 3.6(a) “understand the limits of healthcare in prolonging life and recognise when efforts to prolong life may not be in the best interest of the person” (p11).
• Sharna has a responsibility to understand that life sustaining treatment is not on Ginty best interest.
CS 3.6 (b) “accept that the person has the right to refuse treatment, or to request withdrawal……” (p11)
• Sharna should accept that Ginty has right to refuse her treatment.

List of Actions
• Ginty’s treatment must be withdraw according to her wish and make sure that she aware the risk involved.
• Take appropriate action to report suspected child