ethics response to van dan

Hi Class, 

Althea handled the situation very well, and respectfully with this minor that had approached her for healthcare. Often when we realize that our patients are more sensitive and more prone to snapping and not being comfortable with providers for the sole reason that they may not be comfortable with sharing their full information. That being said the nurse practitioner handles the situation very well and respectfully allowing the patient to feel safe and secure while asking for important and sensitive information. In regards to the ethics, I believe that the nurse practitioner was fully ethical in her practice to rule out pregnancy, first before giving her the nausea medication. Later, on in the episode, we can see that the nurse practitioner solidified her practice by saying the safety of my patient is more important, and for that, some medication cannot be given due to the fact everyone is pregnant. To resolve the potential conflict between the two I would say therapeutic communication is one of the best key topics that can be used to prevent any form of miscommunication, but also thorough understanding between each individual is maintained.

Additionally, we need to understand what informed consent is and how it is implemented in the healthcare system. “The process of informed consent occurs when communication between a patient and physician results in the patient’s authorization or agreement to undergo a specific medical intervention” (Informed Consent | AMA-Code, 2024). In the situation since the patient is a minor here, she would have to have a parent or a guardian sign off on the treatment plan. The ethical implications that proceed with giving medication first before ruling out pregnancy, is that if the patient is pregnant, then we as providers are liable for potentially negatively harming the child. That being said, we have to be willing to protect our patients but simultaneously follow the ethical principles regarding the healthcare we provide.