Resolving the Ethical Dilemma by Applying Ethical Principles
The ethical dilemma that Dr. Kerr faces in this case involves three of the four basic principles of medical ethics. In the case study, the ethical dilemma is created by a conflict between the Smith’s right to autonomy and Dr. Kerr’s obligation to beneficence and
nonmaleficence towards Ana. Dr. Kerr preserves Jenna and Chris’s autonomy by respecting their beliefs and not forcibly vaccinating Ana.
Nurs FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Attempt 1 Applying Ethical Principles
Approaching Child Protective Services—a social service agency run by the government to counsel and support children and their families and promote child welfare—could be considered by Dr. Kerr as an ethical means to resolve the dilemma. As Dr. Kerr is obligated to provide proper medical care to Ana (beneficence) and prevent any harm to her and the general public (nonmaleficence), she could seek intervention from Child Protective Services. Although involving Child Protective Services could result in overriding the ethical principle of autonomy, Dr. Kerr will have to make this decision keeping Ana’s best interests in mind.
Conclusion
In NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles conclusion, healthcare professionals should use the ethical – decision making model concurrently with the four ethical principles of health care to resolve any and all ethical dilemmas. At the end of this case study, Dr. Kerr is perplexed and unsure of what to do after the Smith’s rebuke her attempts to convince them to vaccinate their daughter Ana. Dr. Kerr and the interdisciplinary team should regroup and analyze both the model and ethical principles and then follow-up with the parents to try again.
References
Varkey, B. (2020b). Principles of Clinical Ethics and Their Application to Practice. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509119
Capella University (2018). NHS-FP4000 Exemplar Sample Ethical Case Study. Capella Website:Ethical Case Studies (capella.edu)
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