Ethical Debate

by | Mar 8, 2023 | ethics

 

 

 

 

Instructions
In your initial post, write 400 words responding to one of the ethical situations provided using one of the ethical frameworks (deontology or teleology) as your focus. Support your post and discussion with the Code of Ethics for Nurses versus your personal opinion.

Ethical Situations
Driving privileges of uncontrolled diabetics should be restricted to protect others on the road.
Nurse practitioners should report blood sugars that drop below or exceed specified limits to the DMV to protect public safety.
Discussion Prompt
Select one ethical situation and state whether you agree or disagree. Include three scholarly sources using your chosen ethical framework to support your rationale.

 

 

 

Sample Solution

For this discussion, I will focus on the ethical situation in which nurse practitioners should report blood sugars that drop below or exceed specified limits to the DMV to protect public safety. Based upon the deontological framework, my personal opinion is that nurse practitioners should not be obligated to report such information as it violates patient confidentiality and could potentially cause unnecessary fear or anxiety amongst those who have diabetes and rely on their driving privileges for daily activities.

Sample Solution

For this discussion, I will focus on the ethical situation in which nurse practitioners should report blood sugars that drop below or exceed specified limits to the DMV to protect public safety. Based upon the deontological framework, my personal opinion is that nurse practitioners should not be obligated to report such information as it violates patient confidentiality and could potentially cause unnecessary fear or anxiety amongst those who have diabetes and rely on their driving privileges for daily activities.

The American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Code of Ethics states “the nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient…Nurses must maintain a standard of practice based on knowledge and skill derived from nursing science.” Therefore when making decisions involving ethical dilemmas such as this one, nurses are encouraged to keep their patients foremost in mind and strive towards providing care with compassion and respect (ANA, 2015).

Additionally according to research conducted by Rippon et al. (2018), although public safety is an important consideration when determining laws surrounding uninsured diabetic drivers – it is equally important for medical professionals consider individual circumstances since some may be need of transportation due insufficient access available alternatives like walkable neighborhoods or reliable public transportation systems.

Finally another point worth considering when debating whether or not nurses should report blood sugar levels DMV involves potential consequences associated with loss of autonomy; specifically studies have found that restricting driving privileges can result in decreased quality life due lack mobility options forcing people stay home instead errands grocery shopping etc…(Mentz et al., 2018)

Overall I believe reporting low/high blood sugar levels individuals whose driving abilities are still under control represents violation both professional ethics as well human rights hence why I think nurse practitioners should not be required do so unless absolutely necessary.

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