NURSING. NURSING Name of the Student: Name of the Unive

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

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Response 1:
The case study presents a critical scenario where Mia’s parents, Albert and Rose are
separated and Albert wishes to complete Mia’s outstanding vaccinations that are delivered at
18 months of age. Rose, who is Mia’s biological mother does not ascend her consent for the
vaccination as she is extremely concerned about the allergic reactions and adverse events that
might follow post immunization. Albert’s concern is justified in relation to his indigenous
heritage where the immunization coverage sums up to only 72%. Also, Albert is concerned
about the recent pertussis breakout within the community which places Mia at a high risk of
being affected if she is not immunized. Also, Albert expects Mia to be immunized against
Influenza as on account of their indigenous background, Mia is at an increased risk of being
affected with Influenza (O’Grady et al. 2015; Deek et al. 2013). Another reason for
requesting the immunization is the vulnerability of the new born to be exposed to the diseases
that are preventable through immunization, especially the Pertussis breakout. The situation
here seems to evoke a sense of ethical dilemma. The Australian Legislation on Children’s
rights states that, parents are obliged to ascend their consent or refusal for the treatment of
their child such that the decision taken is in the best interest of the child (Australian Institute
of Family Studies 2019). Decisions with regard to issues such as medical prescription,
immunization or splinting of a fractured bone are issues related to medical treatment and are
treated uncontroversial issues. This is on account of the reason that these decisions help in
improving the physical health condition of the child whilst serving in the best interest of the
child. In addition to this, the Australian legislation in relation to Children’s rights further
states that in case of separated parents, the consent of the custodian parent or the parent with
whom the child has been living at the time of the medical emergency is sufficient to be
treated as a consent (Findlaw.com.au 2019). Further, the legislation also states that the
custodian parent might have to seek the consent of the other custodial parent and notify them

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about the medical procedure that would be undertaken during or after the treatment process.
However, this is only expected on case the treatment involves serious procedures and the
impact of the treatment can yield fatal outcome (Findlaw.com.au 2019). In this case, it can be
said that Albert’s request for the immunization is based on strong grounds that serves the best
interest of the child, Mia. Also, it is important to note that Mia’s immunization is also directly
related to the safety of the new born that Talia is carrying. Thus, as a nurse I would proceed
with the immunization of Mia without having to seek consent from Rose. As per the law, I
can proceed with the pre immunization assessment and commence the process of
immunization post 18 months so as to immunize Mia. The decision taken in this regard is to
continue with the immunization routine without considering the consent of Rose does not
violate any legislation pertaining to the Australian law for children’s rights.
Response 2:
Mia’s biological mother, Rose is concerned about the allergic reactions and adverse
events that might occur post immunization. This accounts for the reason why she is hesitating
to get Mia immunized. In this context, it should be noted that vaccine hesitancy has become a
primary problem within the Australian context. The reason being concerns in relation to
vaccination safety. In this case, immunising Mia against Pertussis and Influenza is important
in order to prevent her from being affected. Also, the administration of the immunization
routine post 18 months would ensure that she is secured against the vaccine preventable
diseases. According to Forbes (2015), it has been mentioned that adapting clear and flexible
communication strategies by the healthcare professionals can help in clearing concerns in
relation to vaccination. As a nurse I must arrange a meeting with Rose, and educate her about
the rationale for immunising Mia. While imparting health literacy, I would adapt an effective
communication strategy and make sure that I impart awareness in relation to the total
vaccination coverage of the indigenous community. Also, I would educate Rose about the