Ethical Dilemmas In Health Care Essay

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The healthcare professionals in the hospital acted without the patient’s approval and coerced the family into allowing the resuscitation. Since the doctor and the nurses did not follow the patient’s wishes, they ignored the ethical principal of autonomy. Perry (2016) states that autonomy is the individual’s “right to determine their own actions and the freedom to make their own decisions” (p. 134). The nurses did not respect the patient’s right to refuse treatment. Instead, they practiced paternalism, restricting the authority of others in the idea of supposed benefit. It is questionable as to why the professionals believed that the patient will be grateful. In addition, they did not practice knowledge and self-thought. Instead of blindly following The nurses and doctor practiced negligence by acting in commission. They performed a procedure that they should not have done. Thus, they could be legally prosecuted for going against a patient’s desires. Furthermore, the healthcare professionals did not receive informed consent from the patient. The patient must be voluntarily given the treatment and have enough information and be in the capacity to understand. If they meet those standards, the wishes of the patient must be respected. However, the doctor and nurses acted in consideration to their moral code. Hence, legal actions can be taken against the nurses. In addition to their legal violations, they also faltered in positive behavior and communication. The heated disagreement between the two doctors not only created tension for the nurses, but also for the family. The family could sense the hysteria and confusion in the room, not creating a safe grieving space. Also, none of the nurses made an attempt to speak with the family, console them, or explain the situation. Rather, they escorted the family out of the room without listening to their worries. This would have frightened the child and created unnecessary confusion and anxiety. “The concept of offering presence is an integral part of bearing witness.” (Campell & Davis, 2011 p. 7). They should have stayed with the family and listened to them, but they left them to fear alone, not

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