Challenges in Nursing: Decision Making and Patient Care

This report addresses the challenges of decision-making in nursing, highlighting the importance of evidence-based practice. It presents a case study involving a nurse's response to a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphasizing the use of oxygen therapy. The report discusses the potential risks associated with improper oxygen administration and the significance of clinical judgment. The nurse's actions, guided by evidence and experience, prevented organ failure and hypoxia, demonstrating positive leadership. The references include studies supporting the use of evidence-based practices in medical decision-making. This report underscores the critical role of nurses in making informed decisions to ensure patient safety and improve health outcomes. The report emphasizes the importance of making the right decision in clinical settings and its impact on a patient's health.

Running head: CHALLENGE RELATED TO DECISION MAKING
CHALLENGE RELATED TO DECISION MAKING
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Author Note

1CHALLENGE RELATED TO DECISION MAKING
Decision Making Issue in Nursing
Clinical decision making along with the judgement is a required characteristic pf
professional as well as personal nursing. Nurses are regarded as the key decision makers in
the healthcare industry. They are expected to take the help of best available proofs in their
decision making and judgemental processes. One such example of decision making is faced
by a nurse in a hospital in the United States, when she has to use the amount of oxygen for a
patient suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). For the health and
safety of the patient, it is essential to use the evidence-based practice in nursing when oxygen
is given to such patients (Kirkham & Barnes, 2013). There was a possibility that the patient
might be affected with serious issues like, acidosis, hypercarbia or even death, the evidence-
based protocol is to provide oxygen and the same thing was done by that nurse, who possess
a little bit of experience in personal nursing practices in her career in emergency situations.
This prompt decision making mind of her saved that patient from organ failure and hypoxia.
It has been found in the researchers done in different medical practices that providing oxygen
is the correct treatment based on evidence or data, and helped the patient to live a quality and
longer live. The correct step taken by that nurse in that moment proved to be a great example
of positivity leadership skill, which is essential in each kind of workplaces globally and was
appreciated by everyone present in that particular moment (Kelloway et al., 2013).

2CHALLENGE RELATED TO DECISION MAKING
References
Kelloway, E. K., Weigand, H., McKee, M. C., & Das, H. (2013). Positive leadership and
employee well-being. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 20(1), 107-
117.
Kirkham, P. A., & Barnes, P. J. (2013). Oxidative stress in COPD. Chest, 144(1), 266-273.