Introduction

NURS FPX 5014 Assessment 1 Ethics are central to nursing, informing decision-making and safeguarding patient rights. This evaluation is centered on the application of ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice—to a practical nursing scenario. Utilizing a systematic ethical decision-making model, nurses can maintain professional integrity while navigating complicated clinical challenges.

Case Scenario Overview

Scenario: A 15-year-old girl comes to the emergency room requesting contraception. She asks to be treated confidentially and makes it clear to the nurse that she doesn’t want her parents told. Her parents do not know she was there. This situation raises ethical questions about:
  • The rights of the minor to autonomy and confidentiality
  • Parental responsibility and rights
  • Professional nursing obligations
  • Legal considerations based on state regulations

Ethical Principles in Practice

1. Autonomy

  • Respecting the patient’s right to make her own decisions, especially about reproductive health.
  • In many states, minors can consent to sexual and reproductive care independently.

2. Beneficence

  • Acting in the patient’s best interest by promoting access to safe contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy or health risks.

3. Nonmaleficence

  • Avoiding harm by ensuring the patient receives confidential care, rather than risking unsafe practices if she feels unsupported.

4. Justice

  • Offering equal access to care, irrespective of age, gender, or parental status.

Application of an Ethical Decision-Making Model

Applying Corey et al.’s Ethical Decision-Making Model, the following steps direct ethical nursing practice:

Step 1: Identify the Problem

  • The patient is a minor seeking confidential reproductive care.
  • Legal and ethical dilemmas arise between patient autonomy and parental rights.

Step 2: Apply Ethical Principles

  • Autonomy and beneficence favor the patient’s decision.
  • Justice promotes equitable treatment and access to care.
  • Nonmaleficence cautions against psychological harm through violation of trust

Step 3: Consult Guidelines

  • Refer to ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses
  • Review state laws on minor consent
  • Consult institutional policies and legal advisors if needed
? ANA Code of Ethics

Step 4: Explore Options

  • Option A: Respect confidentiality and provide care
  • Option B: Involve parents without consent
  • Option C: Consult with social services or a legal advisor

Step 5: Make a Decision

  • Take the ethically and legally sound path—usually giving care while documenting extensively and consulting legal/ethical committees if in doubt.
  • The majority of U.S. states permit minors to consent to contraception without parental consent (Guttmacher Institute).
  • Nurses need to stay up to date with local legislation and organizational policies.

Communication Strategies

How to Navigate Confidentiality:

  • Communicate clearly and empathetically with the patient regarding her rights.
  • Assure her that the care staff is there to help, not criticize.
  • If disclosure is legally mandated, discuss the rationale and process to avoid undermining trust.

FAQs

❓ Is a nurse going to be penalized for failure to notify parents? Not if they comply with state law and institutional policy. Documentation and consultation are key. ❓ How can a nurse reconcile autonomy and parental rights? By respecting the minor’s legal rights while finding collaborative, supportive solutions when the situation warrants. ❓ Is confidentiality ever broken in any case? Yes, when there is abuse, threat of harm to self or others, or mandated by law.

Conclusion

Everyday reality for nursing practice are ethical dilemmas. Through adherence to fundamental ethical concepts and decision-making models, nurses can offer dignified, legal, and compassionate care. Respecting confidentiality in this instance aligns with ethical nursing practice and legal precedence in most states.

References

  • American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. https://www.nursingworld.org/coe-view-only
  • Guttmacher Institute. (2024). Minors’ Consent Laws. https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/overview-minors-consent-law
  • Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2020). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.