Medical Surgical Nursing

0
Running Head: Medical Surgical Nursing
MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING

1
Medical Surgical Nursing
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
The legal and ethical issues highlighted concerning the nursing care provided to Mr B before his
death.................................................................................................................................................2
For the highlighted issues how, if these had been addressed, could his untimely death have been
prevented?........................................................................................................................................4
The role of effective communication patterns and processes in the provision of care concerning
Mr B.................................................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
References........................................................................................................................................9

2
Medical Surgical Nursing
Introduction
This study is a review of Mr Bb’s case scenario presented in Module 4 in context to the
Registered Nurse Standards and Code of Conduct. The articles enlist the requirements for
providing person-centred care in an environment that is able to ensure patient safety. The case
scenario presents Mr Bb, an 86-year-old male who resides in the low care facility unit of The
Residential Aged Care Service home. He met an untimely death because of incarcerated hernia
which according to the coroner is a healthcare related death. Through the scope of this essay, the
issues that brought about Mr B’s death would be identified and effective recommendations will
be provided for resolving those issues.
The legal and ethical issues highlighted concerning the nursing care provided to Mr B
before his death
The death was investigated by a forensic pathologist who determined that cause was an untreated
umbilical hernia. It is clear from the case study that, the GP had diagnosed Mr B of umbilical
hernia and had also tried to reduce it. He also asked the nurses to administer him Movicol and
promptly report to him if Mr B’s condition deteriorates. The above-specified actions consist of
the first set of treatment that was provided to Mr B. His condition was stable for a while, but it
soon deteriorated.
Ineffective diagnosis by the GP
The coroner and the jury board consisting of experienced GP and surgeons considered that the
GP choice of administering Movicol had caused an electrolyte imbalance and dehydration in the
body which was already present due to bowel blockage. However, the independent jury board are
able to decide whether the condition of Mr B was serious enough to transfer him to a hospital.

3
Medical Surgical Nursing
This judgement shows that the diagnosis and treatment approach by the GP was ineffective. He
also tried to reduce the hernia which was later proved to be unsuccessful.
Medical history was not considered
When the GP was approached by the resident nurses to review the condition of Mr B, he made
no move to ask for any information about Mr B’s previous medical history. Even he did not ask
the nurses regarding Mr B’s immediate condition. History contains important records about a
patient’s medical condition. It is always advised to consider the medical history to provide better
diagnosis and be aware of any allergies or heightened responses, tendencies of the patient
(McCormack & McCance, 2016).
Lack of immediate actions
The GP was called on Sunday evening and he arrived later on Monday. The GP relayed that he
was not aware of the facsimile sent to him and did not make any actions to see it himself either.
Hence, he scheduled an appointment on Monday afternoon, during a lunch period. After the
check-up, he asked one of the nurses to intimate him if Mr B’s condition declines. However, the
nurse in charge had not been relayed this information and was unable to take any required action.
Ineffective management
The GP may have provided required information to a nurse but he was not able to tell which
nurse he had talked to. He was not able to understand the qualification level of the nurse and
neither bothered to ask. It is essential to have an idea about the qualification of the nurse so as to
be able to ensure that they would be able to follow the instructions given (Buckley, McCormack
& Ryan, 2018). Moreover, it is common in medical institutions to have a dress code which is
colour coded according to the departments, qualification levels and responsibilities. This allows