Ethical Principles in Nursing Practice

Running head: NURSING ASSIGNMENT
NURSING ASSIGNMENT
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

NURSING ASSIGNMENT1
Introduction:
Care professionals witness a wide range of ethical dilemma in every day practice. This
majorly emerges on account of critical circumstances that evokes ethical decision making. As
stated by Atkins et al. (2017), ethical considerations form an integral aspect of the nursing
professional as while caring for a patient, it is important to abide by the ethical code of conduct
of the nursing practice. In this regard, it should be mentioned that Tom Beauchamp and James
Childress are regarded as pioneers of practice ethics. Tom Beauchamp and James Childress
published the principle of Biomedical ethics that stressed upon the utilization of ethical
principles within the scope of nursing practice. In this context, it should further be mentioned
that the Beauchamp and Childress code of ethics acknowledge four distinct code of ethics which
include, respect of patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and Justice (Gillon, 2015). In
this regard, it should be mentioned that this paper would critically attempt to analyze the case
scenario in relation to the ethical principles. The case study would further be evaluated in order
to assess that whether or not the four ethical principles have been followed.
Body:
Upon analyzing the case scenario, it can be mentioned that Taylah a 14 year old, female,
dressed in school uniform presents to Pam’s clinic. Pam is the sexual health nurse within the
community care clinic who deals with issues relating to contraception. The case study centers
around Taylah who has been referred to Pam by the school nurse in order to seek help about
contraception. Pam effectively communicates with Taylah, makes her feel extremely comfortable
within the clinical setting so as to encourage an open communication style. As stated by Epstein
and Turner (2015), effective communication fosters the creation of strong therapeutic

NURSING ASSIGNMENT2
relationship which would make the discussion process easier in relation to sensitive issue. Taylah
is seen to be concerned about her privacy and states that she would like her visit to be kept
confidential so that her mother does not come to know about the case. Pam is seen to reassure
Taylah and mention that her mother would only be informed in case Taylah is in danger or
because of her someone else is in danger. Pam then seeks consent from Taylah and commences
the interview. A number of questions in relation to her address, diabetes condition, education,
addiction, sexual habit, her parents and her home were asked by Pam. Taylah was seen to be
extremely confident while she was answering the questions, however, when she was asked
questions in relation to her sexual intercourse and substance abuse it was seen that Taylah
became extremely nervous. Taylah asks Pam the reason for the personal questions in relation to
her sexual intercourse and addictive habits. In addition to this, Tylah also states that on account
of her chronic illness condition Diabetes, she is unable to do a lot of things that other students get
to do. She mentions to Pam her wish to lead a normal life just like the other students.
Healthcare professionals while dealing with patients are expected to abide by a set of
ethical principles. These ethical principles were propounded by Beauchamp and Childress and
are popularly known as the Code of Ethics. Further, the Code of Ethics include a total of four
ethical principles which constitute the principles of non-maleficence, beneficence, respect for
autonomy and justice (Hammersley, 2015).
The first ethical principle includes the principle of Autonomy which states that healthcare
professionals must respect the individual choice and preferences of the patient in relation to the
care services sought. As stated by Iacobucci et al. (2015), care professionals must ensure patient
confidentiality and at the same time must seek consent from the patient before proceeding with
the treatment care services. According to Ivanov and Oden (2013), it is extremely important for

NURSING ASSIGNMENT3
nurses to treat patients with dignity and respect as it helps in preserving patient’s autonomy and
confidentiality and at the same time helps in building an effective therapeutic relationship which
ensures active participation of the patients in the therapeutic process. Autonomy can be
explained as the process of acknowledging the patient’s decision or preferences with regard to
treatment process. In other words, autonomy promotes patient freedom and at the same time also
helps in making the patients valued in the treatment process (Ivanov & Oden, 2013). Clearly,
Pam, the sexual health nurse was observed to abide by the principle of patient autonomy. This is
evident during the time when Tylah felt uncomfortable in relation to answering certain personal
question, Pam explained to Tylah that she had the right to deny answering the questions that
made her uncomfortable. Also, Pam would acknowledge her decision and act accordingly so that
the principle of autonomy is not violated. In addition to this, the video clearly exhibits that each
instant Pam explains the proper cause of asking the questions in order to make Tylah understand
how the questions are related to her sexual health and lifestyle. In addition to this, Pam also
explains the questions clearly to Tylah and allows ample amount of time to yield a response in
order to ensure that Tylah does not become anxious or feels uncomfortable with the pace of the
question. Therefore, after assessing the video it can clearly be mentioned that Pam critically
abided by the ethical principle of autonomy while engaging with the patient in the treatment
process.
The second ethical principle includes, Beneficence. As stated by Macklin (2015),
beneficence can be defined as the ethical aspect that urges care professionals to act in the best
interest of the patients. According to McCarthy & Gastmans (2015), it has been mentioned that
care professionals engaged in the process of caring for the patients must critically analyze the
condition of the patient and accordingly undertake decisions that promote better health outcome