Nursing Ethical Dilemmna of Christian Scientist Child

Nursing Ethical Dilemmna of Christian Scientist Child

Using the steps outlined in the decision-making models in your readings, select one ethical decision-making model and use the model to analyze the case provided.

Case Scenario:

A 6-year-old develops a high fever accompanied by violent vomiting and convulsions while at school. The child is rushed to a nearby hospital. The attending physician makes a diagnosis of meningitis and requests permission to initiate treatment from the parents. The childs parents are divorced. The mother, who is not the biological parent of the child, has primary custody. She is a Christian Scientist who insists that no medical treatment be offered for religious reasons. The biological father, who resides in another state, is also contacted. He insists that treatment be given and seeks independent consultation from another physician.

Assignment:

In a formal, written paper of 800-1,200 words, answer the following questions:

1.What is the ethical dilemma here?

2.Describe the decision-making model you selected from your readings.

3.How would you resolve this dilemma using the model?

4.Include, at the end of your paper, a 200-word dialog in which you explain your decision to the family. (Remember to use language that the family would understand).

A minimum of three references must be used.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

Ive copied some notes from the book which I thought would be helpful.

The six-step process that anyone faced with an ethical question can apply in searching for a caring response.

1.Gather as much relevant information as possible to get the facts straight.

2.Determine the precise nature of the ethical problem (if Step 1 confirms that there is one).

3.Decide on the ethics approach that will best get at the heart of the problem.

4.Decide what should be done and how it best can be done (explore the widest range of options possible).

5.Act.

6.Reflect on and evaluate the action.

Virtue theory (if at all possible incorporate this one since this was my chosen model preference in the beginning of class.

Many varieties of virtue theory have been developed over the ages. We want to provide you with some basic threads that have created the general tapestry of varieties called virtue ethics. Looking back on the early Western development of those theories, Aristotle can be credited with providing us with a basic framework for this thinking.18 Within the Judeo-Christian theologic tradition that has deeply influenced Western ethics, the virtue dimensions of Thomas Aquinas's theories have had a profound impact on the 7879shaping of virtue theory.19 Within the health professions and early medical ethics writings, the idea of virtue also was dominant. For example, authors of the Hippocratic School wrote approximately 70 essays on health care in addition to the Oath, several of which discussed character traits. For example, The Decorum enjoins that a physician should be modest, sober, patient, prompt, and conduct himself [sic] with propriety in professional and personal life.20 In short, the professional caregiver will have the moral fiber necessary to carry out the various duties outlined in the Oath.

Maimonides was a highly respected and renowned Jewish philosopher of the 13th century who wrote extensively about the relationship of medical issues to Jewish law. The prayer of Maimonides is based directly on the belief that the development of certain character traits enables the caregiver to exhibit appropriate moral behavior. In making this promise, the physician calls on God for help to have the right motives worthy of this high calling:

May neither avarice nor miserliness nor thirst for glory nor for great reputation engage my mind, or the enemies of truth and philanthropy could easily deceive me and make me forgetful of my lofty aim of doing good to my patients. May I never see in a patient anything but a fellow creature of pain. Maimonides believed that important character traits of the health professional are sympathy for the patient's plight, humility, and a devoted commitment to helping others. From those early influences, many normative versions of virtue theory have evolved so that the tapestry of thought today is splendid indeed. The easiest way into the understanding of virtue theory is through the basic idea of character traits and moral character.

Table 4-2 Ethical Principles

Principle When Applicable

Nonmaleficence (refraining from potentially harming myself or another)I am in a position to harm someone else.

Beneficence (bringing about good)I am in a position to benefit someone else.

FidelityI have made a promise, explicit or implicit, to someone else.

AutonomyI have an opportunity to exercise my freedom in a situation.

VeracityI am in a position to tell the truth or deceive someone.

JusticeI am in a position to distribute benefits and burdens among individuals or groups in society who have legitimate claims on the benefits.

PaternalismI am in a position to decide for someone else.

Deontologic and teleologic theories