Ethical Decision Making In Nursing

There are many opportunities for registered nurses to make ethical decisions for their patients. A brief summary of the scenario will be given followed by an analysis of the scenario using an acknowledge ethical decision making framework. This essay will utilize the four box method that examines the medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life and contextual features of the scenario. This process will critically analyse the scenario and emerge with a professional an ethical nursing decision.

The scenario identifies a patient named Ricky who is receiving treatment for psychosis. Ricky currently is not under the mental health act however he believes he is still required to take medication and receive treatment. Ricky’s family …show more content…
Which is a method to analyse the medical facts of a situation which includes the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options and how the patient themselves benefits from the treatment (Schumann & Alfandre, 2008). Beneficence is defined when the act of kindness is in good nature to others. Professionals have the role of doing right, always and without exception, favour the well-being and interest of the client (Kinsinger, 2009). Nonmaleficence is the avoidance of harm or hurt and is a core principle of the medical oath under nursing ethics (American Nurses Association, 2008). Ricky is receiving treatment for psychosis he has had past episodes of not taking his medication and engaging with staff. The possible causes of psychosis could be the result of stress, expectation of family, and other co-existing problems such as substance or alcohol abuse (ncbi, 2014). The mental health team’s role is an act of nonmaleficence where treatment is given within the community setting to help Ricky by monitoring and responding to his needs with tailored medication to help him integrate back into society with minimal harm and relapse (American Nurses Association, 2008). Based on Ricky’s past history it is in his best interest to continue treatment, however Ricky’s family have mislead him of his power to continue or discontinue treatment. This creates mistrust and does the opposite of what beneficence requires of doing what is best in the interest of the client (Kinsinger,

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