Assignment: Professional Development Exercises : Read the case study

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Introduction:

As a medical professor, it is essential to engage students in real-world experiences that allow them to apply their knowledge and ethical principles to challenging situations. Assignments that present case studies are an excellent tool to provide such experiences. This paper will examine three case studies presented in Guido’s book, including Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 16. These case studies revolve around issues related to nursing ethics, duties, and responsibilities. The paper will provide answers to various questions posed in the assignments and a recommendation on how to handle the scenarios presented in the case studies in light of ethical, legal, and professional obligations.

Chapter 11: Case Study

Question 1: Did the facility have sufficient evidence to suspend the nurse?

The facility had sufficient evidence to suspend the nurse. The incident called into question the nurse’s judgment and integrity because the narcotic count revealed that there was a discrepancy between the amount of narcotics initially recorded and the amount missing. However, the nurse’s suspension was revoked, given that the hospital administration had not followed the agreed-upon protocol for narcotic counting, which involved conducting a double count of the narcotics.

Question 2: How should the testimony of the other nurses in the unit affect the outcome of this case?

The testimony of other nurses should be taken into consideration when evaluating the case. However, it is essential to evaluate the credibility of the testimony and whether it aligns with available evidence. In this case, the nurse’s testimony differed from other nurses interviewed, which reduced its credibility.

Question 3: What additional questions should the institution address before the court rules in this case?

The institution needs to determine whether the nurse had any prior record of stealing narcotics or drug abuse before the incident. Additionally, the institution should evaluate whether the nurse can still provide safe and competent care to patients. The institution should also assess whether they had followed due process in handling the incident.

Question 4: How would you have ruled in this case?

I would have ruled to suspend the nurse pending an investigation, given that there was evidence of a narcotic discrepancy. The suspension would have been revoked after establishing the facts of the case and providing due process. The nurse would also have undergone counseling and monitoring to ensure that the incident does not recur.

Chapter 12: Case Study

Question 1: Did the ANP have a duty to consult with the child’s physician or another emergency center physician regarding the possibility of child abuse before she reported her findings to the case worker?

The ANP had a duty to consult with the child’s physician or another emergency center physician regarding the possibility of child abuse before reporting her findings to the case worker. The ANP’s primary obligation is to ensure the well-being of the patient, and given that the child had internal injuries consistent with an abusive situation, she should have taken immediate action to safeguard the child. This action should include consulting with other physicians and the organization’s child protection policy.

Question 2: What questions would you anticipate might be asked regarding the injury itself and the possibility that the child had caused her injury?

There are several questions surrounding the child’s injury and the possibility that the child had caused her injury. For instance, it is crucial to evaluate the history provided by the child’s guardian and whether it is consistent with the injury. It would also be essential to rule out the possibility that the child has another medical condition that could cause the injuries. Additionally, forensic evidence may be required to determine the cause of the injuries.

Question 3: Did the ANP have a duty to report the injury, even though the diagnosis was not absolutely conclusive at the point that the child was initially examined?

Yes, the ANP had a duty to report the injury even though the diagnosis was not conclusive at the point that the child was initially examined. The ANP should follow the organization’s protocols on reporting injuries, especially suspected abuse. Failure to report could lead to severe consequences for the child and the organization.

Question 4: How would you determine liability in this case, assuming that the trial court found liability against any of the three defendants?

Assuming that the trial court found liability against any of the three defendants, liability would be determined based on the involved party’s actions or inactions that led to the injury. Liability would be allocated based on the level of involvement and duty owed to the patient. The ANP would be responsible for failing to report the injury or consult with other physicians, the child’s physician for failing to diagnose the injury initially, and the guardian for potentially causing the injury.

Chapter 16: Case Study

Question 1: Did the nurse manager have a responsibility to supervise the care of the patient?

Yes, the nurse manager had a responsibility to supervise the care of the patient. It is the nurse manager’s role to ensure that the patient receives safe and competent care. This duty includes providing adequate staffing, ensuring that nurses have the necessary training and resources to provide patient-centered care and periodic monitoring of patient outcomes.

Question 2: Was the care of this patient appropriately assigned to the LPN by the charge nurse, or could the charge nurse have delegated this patient’s care more appropriately?

The charge nurse could have delegated the patient’s care more appropriately. Given that the patient’s needs were outside the LPN’s scope of practice, the patient’s care should have been assigned to an RN. The charge nurse should also have ensured that adequate staffing and resources were available to promote excellent patient outcomes.

Question 3: If the charge nurse assigned the care of the patient to the LPN, did she retain any supervisory responsibility that would result in her liability in this case?

Yes, the charge nurse retained supervisory responsibility that would result in her liability in this case. This responsibility includes providing adequate resources, ensuring that policies and procedures are followed and periodic monitoring of patient outcomes.

Question 4: How do the principles associated with delegation and supervision figure into this case?

The principles associated with delegation and supervision figure substantially in this case. Delegation principles involve selecting the appropriate staff, providing adequate training and resources, and assessing the competence of the personnel. Supervision, on the other hand, involves monitoring patient outcomes, providing resources, and ensuring that policies and procedures are followed.

Conclusion:

This paper has provided answers to case study questions that test the application of ethical, legal, and professional principles and obligations in various nursing scenarios. It is crucial to note that nurses have a fundamental responsibility to provide safe and competent care to patients at all times, ensure proper documentation, and adhere to the organization’s policies and protocols. Healthcare organizations should also ensure that adequate staffing, resources, and policies are in place to promote proper patient care and mitigate potential risks.

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