The Ethical Obligations of the RN Providing care to the Patient with Ebola Virus Disease For this activity, you will weigh in on the RN’s ethical obligation when providing care to patients with EVD and the performance of CPR. Initial Discussion Post: 350 words APA format References 5 years and less in text citation Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
The ethical obligations of registered nurses (RNs) when providing care to patients with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and the performance of CPR are of utmost importance and require careful consideration. In the context of EVD, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal illness, nurses face unique ethical challenges related to their duty to provide care while mitigating the risk of infection and protecting themselves, other patients, and the community. This discussion examines the ethical obligations of the RN in two distinct yet interconnected aspects: providing care to patients with EVD and the provision of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in such cases.
When it comes to caring for patients with EVD, the primary ethical obligation of the RN is to provide safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care while minimizing the risk of transmission. The ethical principle of beneficence guides this obligation, as nurses are committed to promoting the well-being and welfare of their patients (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). However, in the context of EVD, the principle of non-maleficence, which emphasizes the avoidance of harm, particularly for vulnerable populations, also becomes highly relevant (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Balancing these principles requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits and adherence to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of the disease.
The provision of CPR to patients with EVD presents additional ethical challenges for RNs. CPR is a life-saving intervention performed in emergency situations when a patient’s heart or breathing stops. However, performing CPR on a patient with EVD increases the risk of transmission to the healthcare providers. The ethical obligation of the RN in this scenario lies in balancing the duty to save lives through CPR and the duty to minimize harm by reducing the risk of infection.
In such cases, the ethical principle of autonomy becomes crucial. Autonomy refers to the individual’s right to make decisions about their care (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). It is essential to respect the autonomy of the patient with EVD by involving them in the decision-making process whenever possible. The patient’s values, preferences, and choices should be taken into account when determining the appropriateness of CPR in light of the risks involved.
Another ethical consideration in the provision of CPR to patients with EVD is justice. The principle of justice requires that healthcare resources be distributed fairly and that all individuals, regardless of their condition, receive equal access to care (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). In the case of EVD, where resources may be limited, RNs must carefully consider the allocation of resources, such as personal protective equipment, to ensure equitable distribution. This may involve assessing the patient’s prognosis and the potential benefits of CPR in relation to the available resources.
Moreover, the RN’s ethical obligations extend beyond the individual patient to the broader community. In the case of EVD, which can spread rapidly, nurses have a responsibility to protect the health and welfare of not only the patient but also other patients, healthcare providers, and the general public. This responsibility is grounded in the ethical principles of beneficence and justice, as well as the ethical concept of public health ethics, which emphasizes the collective obligation to promote and protect the health of the entire population (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).
In conclusion, the ethical obligations of RNs in providing care to patients with EVD and the performance of CPR are multifaceted and require careful consideration. The principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice guide nurses in balancing the need to provide compassionate care while minimizing the risk of transmission. Ensuring patient-centered care, involving the patient in decision-making, and considering the broader implications for the community are essential components of ethical nursing practice in the context of EVD.