Ultrasound and checkup
During a first trimester ultrasound and checkup, the provider noted chromosomal abnormalities. They were informed that a second trimester follow-up blood work would be necessary to confirm any chromosomal abnormalities. Test revealed the fetus had Trisomy 18. Parents were informed that 90% of infants do not survive their first year of life. The newborn was delivered at 39 weeks. Trisomy 18 was again confirmed once the newborn was born. As expected with a child diagnosed with Trisomy 18, the newborn had diagnosed cardiac anomalies in addition to skeletal deformities and an omphalocele. The parents are requesting cardiac surgery to improve the newborn quality of life. However, the medical team decided against the cardiac surgery as the newborn has other medical condition impacting quality of life for the newborn.
How do the ethical principles apply to the scenario?
Ethical principles
-Justice
-Beneficence
-Nonmaleficence
-Autonomy
Why are ethics important in nursing.
Code of Ethics for Nurses (can be found online)
What is the responsibility of the nurse regarding clients involved in ethical dilemmas?
How can ethical awareness be applies to the scenario?
Sample Solution
In the given scenario, ethical principles of justice, beneficence, non-maleficence and autonomy are all applicable. Firstly, with regards to justice; it is necessary for medical teams to evaluate potential treatments from an impartial perspective so that decisions are based on objective evidence and not solely influenced by personal biases or preferences (Barman & Choudhury, 2020). This means considering each case independently while taking into account a variety of factors such as the risks associated with any proposed course of actions under particular circumstances before determining whether performing cardiac surgery would be deemed most beneficial overall.
Concerning beneficence meanwhile; this refers to providing treatments which promote well being in order minimize harm as much as possible (Beauchamp & Childress 2001). In this instance then it is important that any decision made takes into consideration both short term and long term effects of certain procedures plus weighing up benefits versus risks while also considering what outcomes may present themselves either way.
Nonmaleficence meanwhile relates towards “not doing harm” meaning that medical professionals should strive to avoid treating patients without valid reasoning or justification by creating an atmosphere where adverse events can be minimized (Rothman et al., 2018). Thus when deciding against surgery for a patient diagnosed with Trisomy 18 in this context then medical staff should assess whether there exists other potential courses of treatment available which could offer equal levels of benefit without causing further distress/complications due existing conditions.
Finally, with autonomous self determination involves allowing individuals the right make their own decisions regarding matters pertaining directly towards their health. While parents in these cases might request a certain procedure they must ultimately understand why one was decided upon over another (Draper et al., 2017). Healthcare professionals therefore must explain thoroughly why certain options were chosen in order ensure transparency plus foster trust between them and those they treat ensuring everyone involved remains fully informed throughout whole process.
