Knowledge Of Information :: essays research papers

Knowledge of InformationDESCRIPTION OF THE CASERalph is a recent widower in his midi-60s, who was diagnosed withmetatastasized colon cancer. He is a home health agency patient, and his primarycaregivers are his two daughters. Ralph is unaware of the severity of hiscondition and wanted to know what his accede of health and prognosis were. Thenurse evaded his questions initially, and his daughters did non want to tell himthat his cancer was terminal. The nurses position was not to continue providingcare for Ralph, as she would be deceiving him by not telling him the truth.When the nurse consulted with Ralphs physician, he agreed with the familysdecision, as he felt that they needed cadence to accept their mothers recent deathand Ralphs impending death. The doctor say the nurse not to oppose him andnot to disclose any further infomation to Ralph.THE PRINCIPLE TRUTH-TELLING & DECEPTION (Should be "FIDELITY")In most cases, a rational person has a right to truthful informat ion andavoidance of deception, which will allow him to define which course of treatmentto follow. A patients right to decide includes the right to know the truth, notbe brainwashed, and not be lied to or deceived by having information withheldthat is relevant to his own health. There is a object lesson standard that condemns lies,deception and withholding of relevant information. To tell Ralph that"everything was all right and he would be up and around the house in no time atall" is deceptive, as his condition is terminal, although he does not yetrealize it.The ANA Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice states that clients should beeducated about ther illness, which is subsumed in spite of appearance Standards of Care (p3).In Standard V-Ethics (p15), measurement criteria 3 states that "the nurse actsas a client advocate" and 5 states the "nurse delivers care in a manner thatpreserves and protects client autonomy, dignity and rights".The "Patients Bill of Rights" cites somes cases that justify overriding apatients autonomy rights, however. Considering that Ralph has recently losthis wife and that he is still works through his own grief may present amorally compelling reason for withholding information and considering Ralphsbest interests. His emotional status may need to be assessed to assure that hewould not be suicidal or lose interest in the remaining quality of his life,also to set his ability to cope, before telling him the truth, andprevention of harm overrides autonomy rights.If I were involved in Ralphs care as his nurse, I would have great impediment