Question

Mrs da Vinci is an elderly patient who is admitted to a Brisbane hospital suffering dehydration, a urinary tract infection and a number of skin tears and lesions on her body resulting from multiple falls. Her mobility is compromised and there is evidence of dementia. Upon being admitted to hospital Ms da Vinci expressed an immediate desire to return home, but the health care team do not believe this can safely be achieved. Her urinary tract infection is severe and requires medication. In addition, she has several lesions which are septic and require dressing and antibiotic treatment; and she is still dehydrated. The team is strongly of the view that Mrs da Vinci requires medical treatment before it would be safe for her to leave hospital. They believe that without treatment Mrs da Vince’s health will deteriorate and she will very likely suffer serious and permanent health issues which could result in her death. However, if Mrs da Vinci receives treatment she will be likely to recover well and be able to return home within a few days.
Registered Nurse Mona has spoken at length to Mrs da Vinci, who told the nurse that she does not want any medical treatment; she just wants to go to her home where she has lived for the past 55 years. Mrs da Vinci said she knows her way around her house and is friendly with her neighbours. She also said to the nurse, “my squadron will be there most of the time and they will assist me with any medication. I also have my cat Muggins, and he will look after me.”
Mrs da Vinci was a member of the Royal Australian Airforce during her youth and made significant contributions during wartime. She frequently refers to the friends she made and the exciting times she had as a young girl in the Airforce. Sadly, she is the last surviving member of her squadron, although lately she has been referring to them as if they are still alive and present.
Mrs da Vinci has two children, Leonardo (the eldest) and Valencia. Both her children live in Brisbane and have regular contact with their mother. They are concerned about their mother and want to ensure she receives the best medical treatment possible. Mrs da Vinci’s husband passed away many years ago; however, she is very close to her neighbour, a widower, Mr Angelo. They spend a lot of time together having cups of tea and exchanging stories. Mr Angelo has expressed a desire for Mrs da Vinci to return home. Mrs da Vinci has not executed an advance health directive, nor has she appointed an enduring power of attorney. A guardian has not been appointed.
RN Mona is concerned about who should make the decision about whether Mrs da Vinci should be immediately discharged or remain in hospital to receive medical treatment, and how that decision should be reached.
Apply the ethical and legal decision-making framework to this scenario.

please apply QLD, Australian framework and ethical QLD standards

it is for nursing assignment

Answer 1

Code of Ethics for Nurses
1. Nurses value quality nursing care for all people.
2. Nurses value respect and kindness for self and others.
3. Nurses value the diversity of people.
4. Nurses value access to quality nursing and health care for all people.
5. Nurses value informed decision-making.
6. Nurses value a culture of safety in nursing and health care.
7. Nurses value ethical management of information.
8. Nurses value a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable environment promoting health and wellbeing.

The purpose of the Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia is to:

• identify the fundamental ethical standards and values to which the nursing profession is committed, and that are incorporated in other endorsed professional nursing guidelines and standards of conduct
• provide nurses with a reference point from which to reflect on the conduct of themselves and others
• guide ethical decision-making and practice, and
• indicate to the community the human rights standards and ethical values it can expect nurses to uphold.

I would like to admit the Mrs Davinci in the hospital and treat her.

I would like to take a written consent from her children before the admission.

Mrs Da vinci seems to be suffering from some psychological stress due to her age and loss of her husband at this age , So thats why i would like to admit and treat her.

Also after she is well i would refer her to a good psychiatrist for a proper check up and treatment so that in future this situation doesn't arises.