The Ethical Principles Of Nursing To Caring For A Patient
Question
A nurse working on a pediatric care unit has been assigned to care for a patient whose mother has recently been released from prison and has a history of drug abuse. The nurse finds herself at odds with the decisions being made by the patient’s mother. What steps should be taken by the nurse to manage any concerns?
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The nurse should follow the ethical principles of nursing to manage any concerns related to caring for a patient whose mother has a history of drug abuse and is making decisions that may not be in the best interest of the child. Here are some steps the nurse can take:
- Build a rapport with the patient’s mother: It is essential to establish a positive relationship with the patient’s mother to understand her perspective and build trust. The nurse can do this by using open-ended questions, active listening, and non-judgmental communication.
Explanation:
Involve the patient’s mother in the care plan: The nurse should involve the patient’s mother in the care plan, seeking her input and opinions. This can help her feel empowered and more invested in her child’s care, which may lead to better decision-making.
Step 2/2
Collaborate with the healthcare team: The nurse should collaborate with the healthcare team to discuss concerns and develop a plan of care that is in the best interest of the child. This may involve consulting with a social worker or other resources to address any issues related to the mother’s history of drug abuse.
Explanation:
Document everything: The nurse should document all communication with the patient’s mother and the decisions that are made. This can help in case of any legal or ethical issues that may arise.
Advocate for the child: Ultimately, the nurse’s primary responsibility is to advocate for the child’s safety and well-being. If the nurse believes that the decisions being made by the patient’s mother are not in the best interest of the child, she should escalate her concerns to the healthcare team and seek guidance on how to proceed. By following these steps, the nurse can manage any concerns related to caring for a patient whose mother has a history of drug abuse and make sure that the child receives the best possible care.
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Final answer
Build a rapport with the patient’s mother: Use open-ended questions to encourage the mother to share her perspective. Involve the patient’s mother in the care plan: Seek her input and opinions. Explain the rationale behind the care plan to help her understand why certain decisions are being made. Collaborate with the healthcare team: Discuss your concerns with the healthcare team. Develop a plan of care that takes into account the mother’s history of drug abuse and any other issues. Document everything: Document all communication with the patient’s mother and the decisions that are made.
Advocate for the child: Ensure that the child’s safety and well-being are your primary responsibility The Ethical Principles Of Nursing To Caring For A Patient