Knowledge Of Information :: essays research papers

Knowledge of InformationDESCRIPTION OF THE CASERalph is a recent widower in his midi-60s, who was diagnosed withmetatastasized colon cancer. He is a nursing home health agency patient, and his primarycaregivers are his two daughters. Ralph is unaware of the gruesomeness of his pin down and wanted to know what his state of health and prognosis were. The foster evaded his questions initially, and his daughters did not want to spread abroad himthat his cancer was terminal. The contains position was not to insure providingcare for Ralph, as she would be deceiving him by not telling him the truth.When the nanny consulted with Ralphs physician, he agreed with the familysdecision, as he felt that they needed metre to accept 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 precept TRUTH-TELLING & DECEPTION (Should be "FIDELITY")In most cases, a rational person has a good to truthful information and dodging of deception, which will allow him to decide which course of treatmentto follow. A patients right to decide includes the right to know the truth, notbe brainwashed, and not be lied to or deceived by having information withheldthat is relevant to his own health. in that respect 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 planetary house in no time atall" is deceptive, as his condition is terminal, although he does not yetrealize it.The ANA well-worns of Clinical Nursing approach pattern states that clients should beeducated about ther illness, which is subsumed within Standards of Care (p3).In Standard V-Ethics (p15), measurement criteria 3 states that "the nurse actsas a client advocate" and 5 states the "nurse delivers care in a manner that keep and protects client self-sufficiency, dignity and rights".The "Patients Bill of Rights" cites somes cases that justify overriding apatients autonomy rights, however. Considering that Ralph has recently losthis wife and that he is still working by means of his own grief may present amorally obligate reason for withholding information and considering Ralphsbest interests. His emotional status may need to be assessed to assure that hewould not be self-destructive or lose interest in the remaining quality of his life, as well to determine 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 a bun in the oven great difficulty