Question

A 14-year-old boy is hospitalized for relapse of leukemia after a failed bone marrow transplant. The family has been told his condition is terminal, there is nothing more to be done except keep him comfortable. His mother is distant, uncommunicative and rarely visits. When she does, she doesn’t touch Robbie or speak to him. She sits in a recliner by the window reading novels and requesting cokes multiple times per visit. The staff calls a family meeting but the mother is conspicuously absent. Robbie’s father is frantic, demanding further treatments, regardless of low likelihood of efficacy. During the family meeting, he directs the team NOT to tell Robbie he might die, as he would lose hope. He states, “In our culture, we keep this news from patients to avoid upsetting them.”

You are the nurse. When you are alone caring for Robbie, he asks you, “Am I dying?”

How should you respond?

1. What are the three options you could select? Cite advantages and disadvantages of each.
2. How does the Code of Ethics and Spirituality in Nursing guide you in the virtue of truth-telling?
3. What other considerations play a part in your response?

You should have supportive evidence by in-text citations and references noted. At least 3-5 current references need to be APA formatted.

Answer 1

When you are alone caring for Robbie, he asks you, “Am I dying?”

• Since his father already informed the medical team that in their culture they don't exactly tell the patient that they're dying hence it mustn't be disclosed. Rather explain him about the positive outcomes of the treatment.

What are the three options you could select?

1. speak soothing words
2. Use gentle touch
3. Tell Robbie about the treatment and progression

Cite advantages and disadvantages of each.

advantages

• It can helps to relax the patient
• Gives him a peaceful sleep
• He get a brief idea about his condition and treatment

Disadvantages

• Robbie might remain confused about his condition and it might engage him with his thought

How does the Code of Ethics and Spirituality in Nursing guide you in the virtue of truth-telling?

It is a serious issue faced by many nurses each day.It is apt to discuss nursing as a 'practice' in relation to virtue ethics.