NRS 437V All Week Discussions Package

NRS437V

Week 1 DQ 1

Many situations can raise ethical concerns, particularly inthe face of disagreement and conflict between parties. However, not all situationsof an ethical nature result in values conflict or constitute an ethicaldilemma. Explain the characteristics of an ethical dilemma. How do they differfrom other situations resulting in disagreement between conflictingpreferences, needs, or expectations?

Week 1 DQ 2

Consider the age-old tale of the father who stole a loaf ofbread to feed his hungry family. Stealing is deemed wrong by our society and ispunishable by law. Failing to provide for one’s family is neglectful andfundamentally wrong. What would be the dilemma and the implications of such acrime on the individual, the family, the community, and society?

Week 2 DQ 1

How do personal values, morals, and ethics influencedecision making? (Consider your upbringing, your family structure, yoursocioeconomic status, your community, and your own personal experiences). Howdo these factors influence your decisions? How might they conflict with theneeds, preferences, and biases of your patients and their families? Whichethical theoretical framework best describes your personal worldview? Supportyour response with examples.

Week 2 DQ 2

Read the assigned article, “Dealing With FutileTreatment: A Medical Student’s Perspective.” How does the author describefutile treatment? What ethical dilemmas are faced by health care providers whomust address human suffering? How can ethical principles be used to identifythe most appropriate decision when conflict arises?

What ethical dilemmas are faced by health care providers whomust address human suffering?

How can ethical principles be used to identify the mostappropriate decision when conflict arises?

Week 3 DQ 1

Uustal (1993) proposed a decision-making model that providesconcrete steps in which to arrive at a morally acceptable solution when facedwith an ethical dilemma. What type of an ethical dilemma have you encounteredin the clinical setting? How can the decision-making model identified by Uustalbe applied to this situation? Be specific when describing each of the ninesteps.

Week 3 DQ 2

How do a nurse’s fundamental duties, as described by theHippocratic Oath and Nightingale Pledge, influence a nurse’s practice anddecision making?

Week 4 DQ 1

Does the principle of autonomy guarantee a person the rightto do something that is harmful to oneself? To others? Explain your responsewith ethical rationale.

Week 4 DQ 2

What is the difference between beneficence andnonmaleficence? Give examples of each from your clinical practice.

Week 5 DQ 1

What is the ethical dilemma?

What is your value and ethical position related to the case?Include discussion of theory and principles on which your position is based.

What are some other alternatives for resolving the problem?

What are the possible consequences for those acceptablealternatives?

How would you prioritize the acceptable alternatives?

What is your plan of action?

Week 5 DQ 1

Health care providers are obligated to provide for thoseentrusted in their care. To what extent do they meet this obligation? How mighttheir obligation to others conflict with their obligation to themselves?