The balance between respecting the patient’s autonomy versus the responsibilities clinicians and providers have to the patient is a sensitive one
The balance between respecting the patient’s autonomy versus the responsibilities clinicians and providers have to the patient is a sensitive one. Although the patient has the right to decide over their bodies and health choices, medical professionals also have a moral obligation to fulfill. Clinicians also have licenses, which can result in legal consequences when misused. The medical professional has the right to input their medical opinions that act in the best interest of the patient, even if the patient is not in agreement and is resistant (Radlicz, 2019). Althea is very much ethically fulfilling her purpose as a healthcare professional and nurse practitioner student by insisting that Jasmine perform a pregnancy test. The need for this test aligns with the safety and moral goals of the patient and healthcare goal professional. There can invariably be conflict between the two, considering that the patient is minor and may present with symptoms that merit this test. One way to solve this conflict is through communication. Patients and providers need a relationship that is built on trust for it to flourish; this requires honesty in communication (Radlicz, 2019). This means discussing concerns, implications, fears, and treatment expectations based on assessment results (Radlicz, 2019). By telling the patient what they could expect and treatment options with compassion and patience, the trust could grow. Another way to resolve the conflict is with information. “Patient autonomy is not absolute” (Radlicz, 2019). This means that because the patient wants something, that does not mean that, morally, it is in their best interest. Clinicians need to gather information, run diagnostics, and educate the patient on their best options for positive health outcomes. This topic leads to the concept of informed consent. Informed consent is the ethical agreement to a treatment based on an autonomous decision between a medical professional and the patient when all information regarding the treatment is revealed (Pugh, 1970). Althea would have to use closed-loop communication, written information, demonstrations, pictures, or any other resources to show Jasmine what could occur to her or a potential fetus should she receive any medication that could be harmful. Having honest conversations could prove highly beneficial and change Jasmine’s mind about unthinkingly taking medicine without a proper diagnosis. The ethical implications of the administration of medication without ruling out pregnancy are that it could cause bodily harm to both Jasmine and a potential fetus (Pugh, 1970). It goes against the oaths medical professionals take of both beneficence and non-maleficence to cause no harm to our patients knowingly. Ethically and legally, this can have serious repercussions because of the harm it could cause and the mistrust it could cause against Althea should the gravity of the situation not be adequately discussed.
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