The Nurse as a Moral Spectator

ETHICS IN HEALTHCARE 1
THE NURSE AS A MORAL
SPECTATOR
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ETHICS IN HEALTHCARE 2
ETHICAL CONCEPTS
Mr. Simmons who is a new neonatal nurse specialist in the hospital conducts a physical
assessment on the infant and judges that there are high chances of survival. He begins ventilatory
support as he anticipates transfer of the infant to another facility. However, the first ethical
concern is when the obstetrician tells Mrs. Sears that the infant might be dead. The infant
breathes spontaneously and is pink in color. The principle of beneficence states that the welfare
of the patient should always be put first and that the healthcare workers should always perform in
the patient’s best interest (Johnstone & Facn, 2019). Stating this before performing any imaging
such as ultrasound may lead to anxiety and increased blood pressure during delivery. The nurse
is ready to perform the necessary whilst the obstetrician has given unnecessary information
which could lead to legal implications.
Mr. Frank Barnes the pediatric associate states that the ventilatory support is being too
aggressive for the infant and there is need to consult. The nurse continues to perform it and Mr.
Frank Barnes discontinues the ventilation. The nurse should follow the physician orders but the
critical thinking skills of the nurse is earlier treatment may increase chances of survival for the
infant. The infant was too small to survive according to the Mr. Frank. The principle of
nonmaleficience states that do no harm to the patient meaning that negligence in omission of
care is unethical (Butts & Rich, 2019). Whilst premature babies may have complications this one
had signs of life and has a right to life.
The principle of autonomy states that the patient has a right to make their own decision
and it ought to be respected by others (Sanderson, 2018). Switching off the ventilator is a breach
of the rights of the parents and their infant. They ought to be made aware of the health status of
their infant and document on the necessary measures to be taken. This is unethical and can lead