Code of Ethics in Nursing - Essay Example

In the above-mentioned scenario, the best code of ethics to be applied includes the right to protect a patient’s confidential medical information. Another ethical consideration involves the right to respect the patient’s wishes about their medical condition. This gives them the exclusive rights to make the decision that they want (Potter, 2005).

In this situation, there are very many chances that are represented that would greatly hamper the process of arriving at the right decision. It is very difficult for a doctor to make a decision that would harm a patient’s life. This is because the sole duty of the caregivers is to ensure that they do all that they can rectify any situation that would harm the patient. The dilemma comes in when the practices that would increase the patient’s chances of survival are those that the patient is against. It will be very difficult to arrive at the right conclusion. Will it be right to treat Mr. E using all the channels that he did not consent to? It is also very difficult to watch his health deteriorate. This creates a situation where private patient information is given to people without the consent of the patient (Ribbens, 2005).

It would be unethical for the doctor to put the patient on a ventilator. This is because this is a decision that lies solely with another party. It would be ethical for the brother to decide for the patient concerning the ventilator. This is because Mr. E gave exclusive rights to his brother to make health-related decisions for him. This was if he could not. If Mr. B is given all the facts and decides that there is a need for Mr. E’s life to be saved by the ventilator, the decision will be solely his (Ribbens, 2005). At the point of his decision-making, he is considered the voice of reason. He is also seen as the bridge between the doctor, their observations, and what he has observed as the best possible choice for the patient.

Autonomy in nursing is a very essential component. This is because it paves the way and room for the nurse to employ all aspects of their acquired knowledge in their profession. Professional practice creates a situation where there should be room for the nurse to critically analyze a situation (Kockrow, 2003). Once they have done so, they are at liberty to make a decision that positively affects the patient. There are instances in the profession where the nurse does not require ultimate permission to carry out certain practices. In many instances, the autonomy of practice is greatly hampered. This is especially so when issues of ethics are concerned. This practice is also greatly affected by the patient’s ultimate right to make a choice. As described above, autonomy allows the nurse to make decisions on behalf of the patient. In such cases, the practice is without discretion to the patient or members of his or her family (Ribbens, 2005).

Autonomy is greatly affected because it creates room for the nurse not to exercise their right. This is because the patient has his or her right to stipulate what they want. This is regarding treatment and other medical procedures. This limits the nurse or practitioner from what they what do for the patient. In many instances, this is always the right thing (Kockrow, 2003).

It is my obligation as the head nurse to report the provision of patient information to external sources. This is especially to someone who does not have exclusive rights to access the information or make any decisions about the case. It will be an obligation that needs to be adhered to strictly. This is because there is something wrong with divulging of client information to people who should not access the information. The information is considered private and confidential and should be divulged if the patient authorizes it. This paves the way for the code of ethics to adhere to the latter. The nurse must ensure that the doctor’s conduct does not contravene the patient’s rights. She or he also has a right to ensure that, in all the activities that are carried out in his or her presence, they are all guided by the codes of practice (Lilies, 2005). Problem identification is also essential because it identifies all the ethical measures that should govern the profession. Reporting creates room for special aspects of the case to be understood by all the involved parties.

In the scenario where the doctor has informed Mr. H of the situation, it will be necessary to find Mr. B. It should be noted that there is a reason as to why medical decisions can be made by either a joint family decision or by the patient. What would happen if Mr. H authorized ventilator treatment and Mr. B was against it? It would be prudent for both to make a decision that would affect Mr. E positively (Ribbens, 2005). This will create an active avenue for the doctor, nurse, and family members to make the best possible decision for the patient. This will steer him into the path of ultimate recovery.