Health across Life Span-Child and Family Health across Life Span-Child and Family Health Name of the University Author Name

Running head:HEALTH ACROSS LIFE SPAN- CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH
Health across Life Span- Child and Family Health
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

HEALTH ACROSS LIFE SPAN- CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH1
Case Study 1
In the first case, Mia is a 6 week old child whose parents refuse to vaccinate her as
they believe that immunisations are toxic in nature and has the potential to cause autism. As a
registered nurse in this clinic, this poses certain legal and ethical issues for me. According to
the law, the parents retain the right to make decisions about the child’s vaccination status
(Racgp.org.au., 2020) and ethically, I must comply with their wishes as I am required to take
their choices in consideration. According to the NMBA nursing guidelines, I am required to
provide a safe and informed care plan for the child (Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au., 2020)
However, I am unable to administer the best quality care for the child as opens up the child to
the risk of preventable diseases.
According to the scope of practice legislation, the nurses are required to seek consent
regarding administering care to the patient and in case if the patient is unable to do so,
consent from the parents must be taken (Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au., 2020). However the
nurses are required to provide the best the possible care that they can
(Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au., 2020). In some cases, there is really nothing the nurse can
do. As of January, 2016, no reasons other than medical are valid for vaccine exemption.
However, since the parents have the right to make decisions about the child, they can legally
take decisions whether to administer immunisation or not (Legislation.gov.au., 2020).
According to NMBA Decision Making framework (Cusack, 2019), I must accept that their
decision is the ultimate.
In this case, I am required to sign a Vaccine Objector Form from the parents where
they state that they are refusing vaccinations with full knowledge of the risks it poses (Berry
et al., 2017). However, before that, I attempt to enlighten them about the misconceptions they
have about immunisations and possible risks that the child will encounter if they refuse to

HEALTH ACROSS LIFE SPAN- CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH2
vaccinate van (Erp, L., 2019). I try to reason with them by explaining that I understand the
concerns and misgivings, and I acknowledge the possible side effects of immunisation.
However, I inform them about reliable studies that revoke the claim of any links between
vaccination and autism. I will also inform them about the concept of herd-immunity as well
as the diseases that immunisations can prevent. I must give the parents full information about
the implications of not vaccinating the child verbally and in writing as well and make sure
that they understand the risks and consequences of their decision (Docs2.health.vic.gov.au.,
2020).
As for holistic care, I must respect their wishes even if it does not align with my
personal beliefs. I must remain non-judgmental and conduct the check up on the child to best
of my abilities. I must provide them with as much knowledge as I can. I must inform the
parents as best as I can about the benefits and needs for immunisation and suggest them
necessary measurements if they change their minds at any point of time. Since they have
decided not to vaccinate, I will provide them will plans on how they can best ensure the
safety of their child by basic hygiene practices and sanitation.
Case Study 2
In the second case study, Taylah is a fifteen year old girl who consented to
unprotected intercourse with an unknown male at a party and is suffering from Chlamydia as
a result. The biggest legal constraint that lies here is that the patient is a minor by law and
thus her medical decisions must be approved by a guardian. Legally, she is not old enough to
give consent in most states. However, ethically, we are bound to protect patient
confidentiality and honour the patient’s wishes according to the NMBA guidelines.
Since the patient has clarified that the sex was consensual, there is no mandatory
reporting guidelines applicable (Sti.guidelines.org.au., 2020). However since Taylah has not