Ethical Dilemma in Nursing: C304 Task 2 Reflection Report Analysis

This report presents a reflection on an ethical dilemma encountered in nursing practice, specifically involving a terminally ill patient's request to meet his mistress without his wife's knowledge. The analysis explores the application of ethical principles, including beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and patient autonomy, within the context of hospice care. The report discusses the nurse's response to the patient's request, considering the importance of honesty, respect for patient autonomy, and the potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities. Furthermore, the report identifies self-care strategies for nurses dealing with stressful situations and concludes by emphasizing the need to adhere to ethical principles in patient care. The assignment also includes a brief overview of Florence Nightingale's theory on the environment of healing and its application to nursing practice, along with the importance of professional accountability and values.

Running head: REFLECTION
Task 2
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1REFLECTION
Introduction- While delivering care in a complicated and challenging environment, all
nurses have to encounter stressful patient care and ethical issues. In this essay, we will reflect
on a scenario involving a terminally ill patient Mr. Newcomb.
Response- The scenario involves a cancer patient Mr. Newcomb, who is recently
being cared for at the adult oncology ward, with whom I have developed a close association.
On knowing about his health condition and little chances of recovery, Mr. Newcomb and his
wife have decided to seek hospice care, rather than continuing the treatment. On being
requested by Mr. Newcomb for the first time to help him meet his mistress, without letting
his wife know about it, I would initially try to help him understand that though it is
acceptable that he might light his mistress to pay him one last visit, it is not acceptable for a
nursing professional to be dishonest and lie to the family member of the patient being cared
for. I would rather not interfere between him and his wife, but would take all possible efforts
to remain honest and truthful about any proceedings with my client. I will request Mr.
Newcomb to initiate discussion with his wife about his wish, and would provide him the
opportunity to decide the manner in which he would like to disclose the information, rather
than influencing his words.
Ethical principles- It is imperative for a nursing professional to demonstrate respect
towards the last wishes of a terminally ill patient, in relation to the principles of beneficence
and non-maleficence. While beneficence ensures that the patient is not harmed in any manner
and focuses on the act of compassion with the moral obligation of doing good, non-
maleficence ensures that healthcare professionals should try to inflict least possible harm on
the patients, with the aim of reaching a beneficial health outcome. A meeting with his
mistress would uplift his mood and enhance his emotional state, in relation to beneficence,
and will likely not lead to any physical or psychological harm to Mr. Newcomb. However,
the principle of justice ensures that fair treatment is provided to all patients. Therefore, it

2REFLECTION
would be unethical on my part to lie to Mrs. Newcomb or prevent her from knowing the
actual circumstance. Nonetheless, the principle of autonomy offers all patients the right to
make judgments about their care, without the guidance of any healthcare provider. Hence,
despite my disagreement with his request to lie to his wife, and allow his meeting with his
mistress, the sovereignty of choice rests on Mr. Newcomb, and needs to be respected.
Personal values- I hold the notion that under no circumstances should a healthcare
professional withhold truth. However, my opinion that patient autonomy must always be
protected will influence my decision to allow Mr. Newcomb exercise his wish.
Strategies- Three self-care strategies that I consider effective are namely, (i) taking
restroom breaks, (ii) engaging in exercise and yoga, and (iii) practicing mindfulness
techniques like guided imagery and deep breathing.
Conclusion- To conclude, all principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence
and justice must be followed during patient care.