Ethical and Legal Considerations in Healthcare: A Case Study Analysis

Running Head: NURSING
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Nursing
4/6/2019

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Contents
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Background information about the problem..........................................................................2
1.2 Description of the problem and why it is serious..................................................................2
1.3 Overview of the Solutions to be outlined...............................................................................2
2. Four principles of ethics or medical ethics...............................................................................3
3. Case study and other aspects of healthcare...........................................................................3
3.1 Binge drinking and Person-centred care...............................................................................3
3.2 Self-esteem and body image issues......................................................................................5
4. Conclusion...................................................................................................................................6
4.1 Summary of the Problem and Overview of solutions..........................................................6
4.2 Evaluation of strategies and Recommendations of best practice......................................7
5. References...................................................................................................................................8

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1. Introduction
The essay brings about the discussion on the concepts of ethical and legal
considerations or laws in context to the healthcare issues amongst the individuals.
The term ethical principles or standards, it has been analysed that they are based on
the human principles of right and wrong. On the other hand, legal considerations or
concepts established based on written law (Ray et al., 2017). Therefore, it states
about medical ethics, which is an application of moral standards leading to the better
health of patient. The essay will be enlisting the legal and ethical considerations in
healthcare based on the case study given in the assignment.
1.1 Background information about the problem
The background of case study stated about a 14-year old girl ‘Taylah’ who
represent herself to the sexual health clinic. She visits to the clinic to ask about the
contraception, for which the nurse starts the discussion about contraception with her.
The health status of Taylah mentioned that she is diabetic and has some issues
related to her self-esteem and body image. Moreover, the case evidenced about her
risk-taking behaviour with respect to the aspect of sexual activities. The case has
further mentioned the facts that the girl has been involved with random people,
determining her risky sexual behaviour (Francis & Gold, 2017).
1.2 Description of the problem and why it is serious
Thus, the problem represented above was serious, and may further lead to
major impact on their physical, social, and psychological health. Binge drinking was
another issue highlighted that means consuming large quantities of alcohol in a
single session. The issue was complicated and further lead to aggressive behaviour,
and unprotected sex, and health issues, and therefore, it must be resolved with
appropriate interventions (Kuntsche et al., 2017).
1.3 Overview of the Solutions to be outlined
Solutions to be outlined or underpinned in the case of Binge drinking and
involvement of the patient into sexual activities with people around may require a
number of aspects. These include using emergency contraception, and focusing on
aspects of self-care. The individual needs to focus on reducing the amounts of
drinks, or need to stop these activities, to avoid any harmful effects on health.

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2. Four principles of ethics or medical ethics
Thomas Beauchamp & James Childress are American philosophers and they are
collectively known for their best work in the field of medical ethics. The four principles in
medical ethics consist of:
 Respect for Autonomy, is the principle which defines about an individual’s right to
do things as per their desire, and own decision. It mentions the idea that humans
are free and exert control over their life. In context to the healthcare, it has been
analysed that the specialist treat their patients as uninformed children, rather than
autonomous capable adults. Legal considerations with respect to the element of
autonomy stated that one’s decision or choice towards anything must be given
due respect (Maxwell et al., 2015).
 Beneficence, it refers to the act of kindness and altruism, and it requires the
health professionals or caretakers to focus towards providing patient centred
care. Thus, it ensures treating the patient with effective care.
 Justice assures about the distribution of resources in a fair manner. Every
patient must be given equal access to medical care or resources, which will
provide him or her best treatment.
 Non-maleficence, mentions the aspect ‘first do no harm’ states that one must
take care of the medications or treatment to be provided to the patient, which
assures about no harm. First do no harm means one must avoid anything, which
can be unnecessarily or unjustifiably harmful to the person (Beauchamp, 2016).
3. Case study and other aspects of healthcare
3.1 Binge drinking and Person-centred care
The case has represented well issues related to low self-esteem and body
images aroused due to involvement into excessive drinking or binge drinking. The
issue of binge drinking and risky behaviour is a major problem, which defined about
decrease in self-confidence or esteem, and creating negative thoughts about her
appearance. The research studies have revealed the aspect that alcohol may have
detrimental health effects especially for the teenagers. In several studies, the
researchers found that perceived body size, or attractiveness acts as major factors,
and they subsequently relate to the substance use (Hughes et al., 2017).