Question

Please read the scenarios and answer the questions based on the nursing code of ethics.

A). You are a home health nurse caring for patient who was discharged home after a fall. The patient sustained a hip fracture and is in significant pain. You review the chart of the nurse who has seen him for the past two weeks, and they have charted the patient has taken prescribed oxycodone several times per day. During ambulation the patient states they need to stop due to pain. You ask if they need more of their pain medication. They state, “All I have to take is Tylenol because the nurse the last few weeks told me I don’t need my prescription anymore. The Tylenol doesn’t seem to help.” Upon assessment, the patient is alert, oriented, not forgetful. You examine the cabinet of medications and find there is not bottle for the prescription pain medication being documented, only Tylenol.

1. What guidance does the Code provide?
2. What other policies or procedures need to be followed?
3. What do you do?

B.) You are a nurse working on a medical surgical unit at the hospital. You check your patient assignments in the morning, and see that you have been assigned to care for your girlfriend’s grandmother as she has been admitted post-op after a hip replacement.

1. Do you think this is a conflict of interest? Why or why not?
2. How does the Code of Ethics guide you?

Answer 1

Answer: A

• Nurses have an ethical responsibility to relieve pain and suffering it causes.
• Nurse should provide individualized nursing interventions
• The nursing process should guide the nurses actions to improve pain management.

Procedures need to follow

• Assess and record the patients level of pain utilizing pain intensity rating scale by using visual analog scale.Note relieving and aggravating factors,and non verbal pain cues such as changes in vital signs,emotions and behavior.
• Maintain immobilization of affected part by means of bed rest,pillows etc.
• Elevate and support injured extremity
• Explain procedure before beginning them
• Medicate before care activities
• Perform and supervise active and passive ROM exercises.

Answer: B

This a conflict of interest.

Code of ethics guide: A conflict of interest occurs when a nurses1 Personal,business,commercial,political,academic or financial interests of the nurses family or friends,interfere with the nurses professional responsibilities or a clients best interests.

Applying the principles to practice: To manage a conflict of interest you may need to remove yourself from participating in discussion,making decisions,or providing care.