Knowledge Of Information :: essays research papers

Knowledge of InformationDESCRIPTION OF THE CASERalph is a fresh widower in his midi-60s, who was diagnosed withmetatastasized colon cancer. He is a home health agency patient, and his primary considergivers are his two daughters. Ralph is unaware of the severity of his creator and wanted to know what his state of health and prognosis were. Thenurse evaded his questions initi exclusivelyy, and his daughters did non want to tell himthat his cancer was terminal. The nurses position was not to continue providingcare for Ralph, as she would be deceiving him by not telling him the truth.When the nurse consulted with Ralphs physician, he agreed with the familysdecision, as he felt that they impoverishmented time to take away their mothers recent deathand Ralphs impending death. The doctor ordered the nurse not to oppose him andnot to disclose any further infomation to Ralph.THE PRINCIPLE TRUTH-TELLING & ampere DECEPTION (Should be "FIDELITY")In most cases, a sage person has a right to truthful information andavoidance of deception, which bequeath allow him to root which course of treatmentto follow. A patients right to decide includes the right to know the truth, notbe brainwashed, and not be be to or deceived by having information withheldthat is relevant to his make health. There is a moral standard that condemns lies,deception and withholding of relevant information. To tell Ralph that"everything was all right and he would be up and around the house in no time atall" is deceptive, as his condition is terminal, although he does not yetrealize it.The ANA Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice states that clients should beeducated about ther illness, which is subsumed within Standards of Care (p3).In Standard V-Ethics (p15), touchstone criteria 3 states that "the nurse actsas a client advocate" and 5 states the "nurse delivers care in a manner thatpreserves and protects client autonomy, dignity and rights".The "Patients Bill of Rights" cites somes cases that justify overriding apatients autonomy rights, however. Considering that Ralph has late losthis wife and that he is still working through his own grief may present amorally compelling campaign for withholding information and considering Ralphsbest interests. His emotional status may need to be assessed to assure that hewould not be suicidal or lose interest in the remaining quality of his life,also to hold back his ability to cope, before telling him the truth, andprevention of harm overrides autonomy rights.If I were involved in Ralphs care as his nurse, I would have spacious difficulty