Question

You are an RN and work in a community mental health clinic in Sydney. The clinic you work in primarily specialises in adolescent mental health and receives many referrals from the justice system of mentally ill, troubled ordisordered minors who have gotten in trouble with the law. As part of their court orders they are usually required to undergo professional treatment and counselling.You are part of the multidisciplinary team which delivers this care. As part of the multi-disciplinary team, you work along side a social worker, Justin. Justin’s primary role within the health clinic is to work with teenagers who do not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder but who come from troubled backgrounds, usually involving trauma, family breakdown and abuse. Justin’s role is to develop strategies of re-integrating individual troubled youths back into their own social networks, schools and employment while establishing support networks, behaviour management strategies and education and career prospects. Justin is widely known for his skill in this field, has been the recipient of many awards and scholarships in his field, is highly regarded in the justice system and has demonstrated positive outcomes where other specialists have been unable to. He is often referred overly complex cases due to his skill in this area. At many work social functions you have gotten to know Justin’s wife Sarah. Sarah is a linguist who teaches languages in private tuition, though mostly she is a stay at home mum. You have developed a nice friendship with Sarah though she always remains reserved. At the work Christmas party, you see that Sarah has arrived, so you start talking to her. Sarah confides in you that wants to separate from Justin but she is scared to as he is aggressive and violent, and she is afraid of the damage it will do to their two children – a six-year-old and a ten-year-old. Sarah tells you that Justin often hits the boys when he is angry, particularly the ten-year-old who Justin has recently punched in the face. You mention to Sarah how concerned you are for her safety and suggest that she go to the police for support. Sarah tells you that she cannot go to the police, because if Justin’s abuse is reported he will no longer be able to work with children and young people, he will lose his credibility with the justice system and he will most likely lose his job. She is relying on Justin’s job to provide child support money so that she can afford to look after the children when she leaves him. If Justin loses his income, then Sarah won’t be able to afford to separate from him and she and her children will be required to stay with him. Sarah begs you not to tell anyone, and says that she has told you this in confidence. Sarah tells you she doesn’t want anyone else to find out, as she doesn’t want the information to get back to Justin and for him to find out that she is planning on leaving him until she knows she can leave safely without fear of being hit. The next time you see Sarah is later that week at the supermarket. She has bruising to her throat and neck which she is trying to hide with a scarf, and their ten-year-old child has bruising to his nose and around his eye.  

Q1: Which ethical principles are challenged in this case study and how?

Q2: Identify the legal issues raised.

Q3: Consider the application of mandatory reporting to this case study, and how it may or may not be relevant.

Q4: Considering at least 2 different ethical theories, outline some possible actions the nurse may take in responding to this situation.

Q5: What will you do?

Answer 1

question 1

Answer: The principle of respect for people is challenged in this case. Justin does not respect Sarah. Sarah is not getting protection and the right to live in freedom. Justin performs domestic violence which is against the law. During this scenario, Sarah also does not want to report to police regarding the violation that leads to challenges in following the principles of respect for people.

Question 2

Answer: The legal issues can be raised against domestic violence or abuse. This can be raised by informing the proper information regarding the issue and witnesses should be there. This will help to prevent further violence or abuse. And the abuser will get adequate punishment from the court according to the law. But in this case, Sarah does not want to raise legal issues because of scare that her children will suffer because financially they depend on Justin.

Question 3

answer: There is compulsory mandatory to report this case because Sarah is physically abused by her husband. There is a presence of brushing at her throat, neck, and also brushing of her son in the nose and around the eye. This sign means Justin severely abuse to his wife and son. There is a need to report to the police. One day he may kill them if not reported on time. It is relevant to the application to report the case.  

Question 4

Answer: The two theories are right base ethical theories and Golden mean ethical theories. Right base ethical theories mean that every person in society has the right to live in freedom and respect. By using these theories, as a nurse, the possible action is that Educate the society regarding the individual right, advocate regarding the right of people can be done. If anyone found out violating the right can report to the authority.

Golden mean ethical theories say that an issue can be solved by properly analyzing the reason and logic.  The possible actions that can be taken by a nurse are to identify the issue properly, proper analysis of the issue can be done, plan for action to solve the problem.

Question 5:

Answer: According to me if a found out any violence or abuse in the society, I will be informed to the police and if the person refuse to report then I will counsel the person and explain the possible negative consequences that can arise if not reported on time.