Registered Nurse's Role: Professional Identity Case Study Analysis
VerifiedAdded on 2022/11/10
|8
|1925
|61
Case Study
AI Summary
This case study presents a scenario involving a 15-year-old patient, Jessica Wilson, who is brought to the emergency room due to unconsciousness during a school cross-country event and is found to be pregnant. The assignment requires the registered nurse, Sam, to navigate ethical and legal considerations, particularly regarding patient confidentiality, informed consent, and parental involvement. The student analyzes the ethical dilemma of whether to disclose Jessica's pregnancy to her mother, considering the patient's refusal to share the information. The solution explores the application of ethical principles such as beneficence, autonomy, and non-maleficence, along with legal principles concerning consent from a mature minor. The student argues in favor of confidential care, aligning with the NMBA code of ethics and Australian legislative requirements, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, adolescent pregnancy literacy, and mental wellbeing support for the patient. The case study references various sources, including guidelines from the International Council of Nurses, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and relevant literature on adolescent health and medical decision-making.

Running head: PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note
PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note
Paraphrase This Document
Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser

1PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
Question 1:
Being frontline health professionals, registered nurses are required to make sound
judgments about legal as well as ethical issues for providing best responsive care to the patient.
The case scenario represents the adolescent pregnancy of Jessica Wilson, fifteen years old who
was bought to the emergency due to sudden unconsciousness in the cross country event of
school. However, the patient refuses to disclose the information to her mother. Ganz, Wagner
and Toren (2015) highlighted that it is the ethical responsibility of the nurses to obtain consent
from the patient while providing care and nurses must assess the ability of the patient to provide
voluntary consent. The case study highlighted that the patient was unaware of adolescent
pregnancy. In this case, the registered nurse addresses the ethical dilemma which is keeping the
information of the patient confidential and not disclosing it to her mother. Obtaining consent
from the patient is the legal principle of the nurses that respect the autonomy of the patient
(McCarthy & Gastmans 2015). According to Australian medical standard, the professionals must
obtain consent from the mature minor before disclosing the information and keep it confidential
(Raisingchildren.net.au, 2019). Hence, the registered nurse act according to the legal and ethical
responsibility for the best interest of the patient.
Question 2:
Being a nursing professional, providing safe and responsive care to the patient is the
ethical and legal duty of nurses. Hence, the NMBA code of ethics suggested that while providing
care to the patients, the registered nurse must follow ethical principles such as accountability,
justice, veracity, beneficence, and non-maleficence (Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au 2019).
Jeremic et al. (2016) suggested that the mature minor lacks the ability to understand the
Question 1:
Being frontline health professionals, registered nurses are required to make sound
judgments about legal as well as ethical issues for providing best responsive care to the patient.
The case scenario represents the adolescent pregnancy of Jessica Wilson, fifteen years old who
was bought to the emergency due to sudden unconsciousness in the cross country event of
school. However, the patient refuses to disclose the information to her mother. Ganz, Wagner
and Toren (2015) highlighted that it is the ethical responsibility of the nurses to obtain consent
from the patient while providing care and nurses must assess the ability of the patient to provide
voluntary consent. The case study highlighted that the patient was unaware of adolescent
pregnancy. In this case, the registered nurse addresses the ethical dilemma which is keeping the
information of the patient confidential and not disclosing it to her mother. Obtaining consent
from the patient is the legal principle of the nurses that respect the autonomy of the patient
(McCarthy & Gastmans 2015). According to Australian medical standard, the professionals must
obtain consent from the mature minor before disclosing the information and keep it confidential
(Raisingchildren.net.au, 2019). Hence, the registered nurse act according to the legal and ethical
responsibility for the best interest of the patient.
Question 2:
Being a nursing professional, providing safe and responsive care to the patient is the
ethical and legal duty of nurses. Hence, the NMBA code of ethics suggested that while providing
care to the patients, the registered nurse must follow ethical principles such as accountability,
justice, veracity, beneficence, and non-maleficence (Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au 2019).
Jeremic et al. (2016) suggested that the mature minor lacks the ability to understand the

2PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
complexity of the health issues and nature of the treatment and thereby, nurses must act by
following these ethical principles for the best interest of the patients. Considering the case study,
the nurses may experience conflict between beneficence and non-maleficence as the care process
can be compromised if the nurse failed to act according to the best interest of the patient. Hence,
in this case, the applied legal principle of the nurses is to obtain informed consent from the
patient while providing care according to the ethical principles such as beneficence, autonomy
and non- maleficence. Moore et al. (2017), suggested that during proving care for the mature
minor as in this case scenario where she lacks the adequate understanding of adolescent
pregnancy, the parental involvement is crucial under the Children care and Protection Act 2004
for the best interest of the child (beneficence). However, professionals consider the ability of the
child and follow the legal principle such as obtaining consent for the treatment. On a
contradictory note, the child projection of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
also suggested that patients of aged 14 years are eligible to provide informed consent (legal
principles) due to their advanced development (Www.aihw.gov.au 2018). In this case, nurses
must respect the autonomy of the patient if the patient refuses to disclose the information since
disclosing the information not only violate the NMBA code of ethics but also compromise the
care process (Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au 2019). Hence, Sam must follow the legal principle
of consent for following ethical principles such as beneficence of the patient.
Question 3:
The case study highlighted that Jessica was unconscious in the cross events due to
adolescent pregnancy and long interrogation with the registered nurse indicated that she was
unaware of it but refused to involve her mother in the care process. In this case, two options are
available to registered nurse.
complexity of the health issues and nature of the treatment and thereby, nurses must act by
following these ethical principles for the best interest of the patients. Considering the case study,
the nurses may experience conflict between beneficence and non-maleficence as the care process
can be compromised if the nurse failed to act according to the best interest of the patient. Hence,
in this case, the applied legal principle of the nurses is to obtain informed consent from the
patient while providing care according to the ethical principles such as beneficence, autonomy
and non- maleficence. Moore et al. (2017), suggested that during proving care for the mature
minor as in this case scenario where she lacks the adequate understanding of adolescent
pregnancy, the parental involvement is crucial under the Children care and Protection Act 2004
for the best interest of the child (beneficence). However, professionals consider the ability of the
child and follow the legal principle such as obtaining consent for the treatment. On a
contradictory note, the child projection of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
also suggested that patients of aged 14 years are eligible to provide informed consent (legal
principles) due to their advanced development (Www.aihw.gov.au 2018). In this case, nurses
must respect the autonomy of the patient if the patient refuses to disclose the information since
disclosing the information not only violate the NMBA code of ethics but also compromise the
care process (Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au 2019). Hence, Sam must follow the legal principle
of consent for following ethical principles such as beneficence of the patient.
Question 3:
The case study highlighted that Jessica was unconscious in the cross events due to
adolescent pregnancy and long interrogation with the registered nurse indicated that she was
unaware of it but refused to involve her mother in the care process. In this case, two options are
available to registered nurse.
⊘ This is a preview!⊘
Do you want full access?
Subscribe today to unlock all pages.

Trusted by 1+ million students worldwide

3PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
1. Disclosing the information to her mother:
Case scenario suggested that after communication with the registered nurse, Jessica
disclosed that she is unaware of this unplanned pregnancy and she does not want her mother
know about it. According to the International Council of Nurses (2012), nurses must ensure
to provide best possible care to the patient by following nursing values and beliefs so that the
best interest of the patient can be served. In this context, since Jessica was not aware of the
pregnancy which made her upset frequently, Sam must involve her mother in the care
process for empowering her and providing her support in the management of it (Sofronas
Wright & Carnevale 2018). Sam must empathize her in this process and communication
Jessica regarding parental involvement.
2. Confidential care:
According to the International Council of Nurses Revised (2012), nurses must respect the
autonomy of the patient and prioritize the decision of the patients while providing care.
Moreover, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare also highlighted that mature minor of
14 years or above can take the decision on the behalf of them and hence, nurses must respect the
autonomy of the patient by full filling legal responsibility of the nurse of obtaining informed
consent. Therefore, Sam must not disclose the information without the consent of the patient.
Question 4:
Out of two options available to Sam, option two is the most suitable option according to
the Australian legislative requirement and NMBA code of ethics. As observed in the case
scenario that Jessica was unconscious in the cross events due to adolescent pregnancy and long
interrogation with the registered nurse indicated that she was unaware of it but refused to involve
her mother in the care process. In this case, the nurses must act according to the best interest of
1. Disclosing the information to her mother:
Case scenario suggested that after communication with the registered nurse, Jessica
disclosed that she is unaware of this unplanned pregnancy and she does not want her mother
know about it. According to the International Council of Nurses (2012), nurses must ensure
to provide best possible care to the patient by following nursing values and beliefs so that the
best interest of the patient can be served. In this context, since Jessica was not aware of the
pregnancy which made her upset frequently, Sam must involve her mother in the care
process for empowering her and providing her support in the management of it (Sofronas
Wright & Carnevale 2018). Sam must empathize her in this process and communication
Jessica regarding parental involvement.
2. Confidential care:
According to the International Council of Nurses Revised (2012), nurses must respect the
autonomy of the patient and prioritize the decision of the patients while providing care.
Moreover, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare also highlighted that mature minor of
14 years or above can take the decision on the behalf of them and hence, nurses must respect the
autonomy of the patient by full filling legal responsibility of the nurse of obtaining informed
consent. Therefore, Sam must not disclose the information without the consent of the patient.
Question 4:
Out of two options available to Sam, option two is the most suitable option according to
the Australian legislative requirement and NMBA code of ethics. As observed in the case
scenario that Jessica was unconscious in the cross events due to adolescent pregnancy and long
interrogation with the registered nurse indicated that she was unaware of it but refused to involve
her mother in the care process. In this case, the nurses must act according to the best interest of
Paraphrase This Document
Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser

4PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
the patient so that the patient receives responsive and antimony of the patient is restored. If I
was the registered nurse instead of Sam who was addressing ethical issues of providing care
to Jessica, I would have provided confidential care. The reason behind choosing option two is
that Jessica is 15 years who can be considered as the mature minor. The Australian legislative
requirement recognizes the patient of 14 years or above as responsible adults who has the ability
to assess the nature of the treatment and make the decision on their own (Raisingchildren.net.au,
2019). Hence, before providing care to the patient, I would assess the ability of Jessica before
prioritizing the consent of the care. In the case scenario, Jessica was 15 years and does not want
her mother to involve in the care process. If I choose option one and inform her mother
regarding this unplanned pregnancy, I would breach the ethical principle autonomy of the patient
of 15 years who is mature minor. Breaching the autonomy of a mature minor not only affect my
practice but also affect her quality of care. Hence, if I was registered nurse then I would involve
Jessica in effective communication for obtaining informed consent and provide confidential care
to her. The aim of providing confidential care to Jessica is to embrace the potentials in her and
strengthen her in living healthy and quality life. Effective communication with Jessica regarding
confidential care not only empower her but also provide her a sense of safety. Apart from the
confidential care, I would provide her with adequate literacy of adolescent pregnancy, safe
sexual practice and support her in gaining the skills of self-care management. Self-management
is essential skills of the patient to improve the quality of life by taking responsibility of her own
wellbeing. Moreover, since her mother was worried about her wellbeing and what happened to
her, I would communicate with Jessica regarding disclosing the information to her mother. If she
provide consent for disclosure, I would involve her mother in the care process. Since she was
upset regarding this pregnancy, it may impact her mental wellbeing and impact her baby. Hence,
the patient so that the patient receives responsive and antimony of the patient is restored. If I
was the registered nurse instead of Sam who was addressing ethical issues of providing care
to Jessica, I would have provided confidential care. The reason behind choosing option two is
that Jessica is 15 years who can be considered as the mature minor. The Australian legislative
requirement recognizes the patient of 14 years or above as responsible adults who has the ability
to assess the nature of the treatment and make the decision on their own (Raisingchildren.net.au,
2019). Hence, before providing care to the patient, I would assess the ability of Jessica before
prioritizing the consent of the care. In the case scenario, Jessica was 15 years and does not want
her mother to involve in the care process. If I choose option one and inform her mother
regarding this unplanned pregnancy, I would breach the ethical principle autonomy of the patient
of 15 years who is mature minor. Breaching the autonomy of a mature minor not only affect my
practice but also affect her quality of care. Hence, if I was registered nurse then I would involve
Jessica in effective communication for obtaining informed consent and provide confidential care
to her. The aim of providing confidential care to Jessica is to embrace the potentials in her and
strengthen her in living healthy and quality life. Effective communication with Jessica regarding
confidential care not only empower her but also provide her a sense of safety. Apart from the
confidential care, I would provide her with adequate literacy of adolescent pregnancy, safe
sexual practice and support her in gaining the skills of self-care management. Self-management
is essential skills of the patient to improve the quality of life by taking responsibility of her own
wellbeing. Moreover, since her mother was worried about her wellbeing and what happened to
her, I would communicate with Jessica regarding disclosing the information to her mother. If she
provide consent for disclosure, I would involve her mother in the care process. Since she was
upset regarding this pregnancy, it may impact her mental wellbeing and impact her baby. Hence,

5PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
to improve her mental wellbeing, I would involve local counsellor who will support her
emotionally to overcome her low mood. In this way, option two is the most suitable care
which will not only follow the ethical and legal principle of registered nurse but also it will
empower patient, boost her self-esteem and induce a sense of safety (McCarthy & Gastmans
2015).
to improve her mental wellbeing, I would involve local counsellor who will support her
emotionally to overcome her low mood. In this way, option two is the most suitable care
which will not only follow the ethical and legal principle of registered nurse but also it will
empower patient, boost her self-esteem and induce a sense of safety (McCarthy & Gastmans
2015).
⊘ This is a preview!⊘
Do you want full access?
Subscribe today to unlock all pages.

Trusted by 1+ million students worldwide

6PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
References:
Benjamin, L., Ishimine, P., Joseph, M. & Mehta, S., 2018. Evaluation and treatment of
minors. Annals of emergency medicine, 71(2), pp.225-232.
Ganz, F.D., Wagner, N. & Toren, O., 2015. “Nurse middle manager ethical dilemmas and moral
distress”. Nursing Ethics,vol 22(1), pp.43-51.
Grootens-Wiegers, P., Hein, I.M., van den Broek, J.M. & de Vries, M.C., 2017.” Medical
decision-making in children and adolescents: developmental and neuroscientific
aspects.” BMC pediatrics, vol 17(1), p.120.
International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics for Nurses 2012. [Online] International Council
of Nurses codes of ethics. Available at: https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/inline-
files/2012_ICN_Codeofethicsfornurses_%20eng.pdf [Accessed 19 Aug. 2019].
Jeremic, V., Sénécal, K., Borry, P., Chokoshvili, D. & Vears, D.F., 2016. P”articipation of
children in medical decision-making: challenges and potential solutions.” Journal of
bioethical inquiry, vol 13(4), pp.525-534.
McCarthy, J. & Gastmans, C., 2015. “Moral distress: a review of the argument-based nursing
ethics literature.” Nursing ethics, vol 22(1), pp.131-152.
Moore, S.E., Scott, J.G., Ferrari, A.J., Mills, R., Dunne, M.P., Erskine, H.E., Devries, K.M.,
Degenhardt, L., Vos, T., Whiteford, H.A. & McCarthy, M., 2015. Burden attributable to
child maltreatment in Australia. Child Abuse & Neglect, vol48, pp.208-220.
Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au 2019. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia - Professional
standards. [online] Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au. Available at:
https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Professional-
standards.aspx [Accessed 28 Jul. 2019].
Raisingchildren.net.au (2019). Teenage health care: your child’s rights and responsibilities.
[online] Raising Children Network. Available at: https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-
References:
Benjamin, L., Ishimine, P., Joseph, M. & Mehta, S., 2018. Evaluation and treatment of
minors. Annals of emergency medicine, 71(2), pp.225-232.
Ganz, F.D., Wagner, N. & Toren, O., 2015. “Nurse middle manager ethical dilemmas and moral
distress”. Nursing Ethics,vol 22(1), pp.43-51.
Grootens-Wiegers, P., Hein, I.M., van den Broek, J.M. & de Vries, M.C., 2017.” Medical
decision-making in children and adolescents: developmental and neuroscientific
aspects.” BMC pediatrics, vol 17(1), p.120.
International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics for Nurses 2012. [Online] International Council
of Nurses codes of ethics. Available at: https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/inline-
files/2012_ICN_Codeofethicsfornurses_%20eng.pdf [Accessed 19 Aug. 2019].
Jeremic, V., Sénécal, K., Borry, P., Chokoshvili, D. & Vears, D.F., 2016. P”articipation of
children in medical decision-making: challenges and potential solutions.” Journal of
bioethical inquiry, vol 13(4), pp.525-534.
McCarthy, J. & Gastmans, C., 2015. “Moral distress: a review of the argument-based nursing
ethics literature.” Nursing ethics, vol 22(1), pp.131-152.
Moore, S.E., Scott, J.G., Ferrari, A.J., Mills, R., Dunne, M.P., Erskine, H.E., Devries, K.M.,
Degenhardt, L., Vos, T., Whiteford, H.A. & McCarthy, M., 2015. Burden attributable to
child maltreatment in Australia. Child Abuse & Neglect, vol48, pp.208-220.
Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au 2019. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia - Professional
standards. [online] Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au. Available at:
https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Professional-
standards.aspx [Accessed 28 Jul. 2019].
Raisingchildren.net.au (2019). Teenage health care: your child’s rights and responsibilities.
[online] Raising Children Network. Available at: https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-
Paraphrase This Document
Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser

7PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFY
teens/mental-health-physical-health/health-care/teen-health-care [Accessed 13 Sep.
2019].
Sofronas, M., Wright, D.K. & Carnevale, F.A., 2018, “October. Personhood: An evolutionary
concept analysis for nursing ethics, theory, practice, and research”. In Nursing
forum (Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 406-415).
Www.aihw.gov.au (2018). Child protection-Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Retrieved 5 August 2019, from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/56bb591f-6c56-
4397-b928-8de6872e2cdd/aihw-aus-221-chapter-3-7.pdf.aspx
teens/mental-health-physical-health/health-care/teen-health-care [Accessed 13 Sep.
2019].
Sofronas, M., Wright, D.K. & Carnevale, F.A., 2018, “October. Personhood: An evolutionary
concept analysis for nursing ethics, theory, practice, and research”. In Nursing
forum (Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 406-415).
Www.aihw.gov.au (2018). Child protection-Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Retrieved 5 August 2019, from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/56bb591f-6c56-
4397-b928-8de6872e2cdd/aihw-aus-221-chapter-3-7.pdf.aspx
1 out of 8
Related Documents

Your All-in-One AI-Powered Toolkit for Academic Success.
+13062052269
info@desklib.com
Available 24*7 on WhatsApp / Email
Unlock your academic potential
© 2024 | Zucol Services PVT LTD | All rights reserved.