The ethical dilemma described herein centers upon the question of whether a nurse caring for a patient with stomach ulcers whose relatives have requested an early release prior to treatment completion for financial reasons should intervene in this decision. Using the deontological ethical theory of a duty of care, a response on the part of a nurse to this request is presented. The report explores options other than remaining in the hospital and offers a literature-based foundation for the intervention decision undertaken by the nurse.
INTERVENING IN A HEALTH CARE ETHICAL ISSUE
Health care providers face multiple challenges as they attempt not only to develop the most appropriate treatments and interventions for patients based on a respect for patient autonomy and rights, but on their recognition that patients may have conflicting needs and interests that affect their health care choices. As noted by Zussman (2004), making ethical decisions in this challenging field requires a recognition that best practices in medicine may at times conflict with the needs, desires, or interests of patients. Consequently, it is often necessary to adjust treatment expectations and protocols to reflect patients' interests and needs.
The ethical issue under discussion herein involves the case of a male patient suffering from a stomach ulcer who was hospitalized and received admittedly costly treatment for his condition. Concerned about the rising costs of the care being given to this older man, his relatives expressed a determination to abandon treatment, bring the patient back home, and employ the power of their religious beliefs and prayer to assist him in recovery. Unfortunately, the patient was still undergoing treatment and the dilemma presented to me and other providers was whether or not to tacitly accept this decision or
Health Care Ethical Issues
to encourage the patient's relatives to consider other al...