ANA Code of Ethics Worksheet
Instructions: The following five cases reflect common issues faced in nursing practice. Each of these cases can be analyzed using certain provisions and interpretive statements from the ANA Code of Ethics. Provide brief, short answers in response to the cases that include what you would do if you were the nurse involved. Identify and explain the 1) numbers of the provisions and 2) interpretive statements that justify your responses (e.g., 2.2 Conflict of interest).
1. Ann, RN is caring for John, a patient on the orthopedic unit of a local community hospital. John is one day post-op from a left total knee replacement. He was up in a chair for lunch today, but did not tolerate it well and refuses to get up for dinner. John weighs 350 lbs. and has several comorbidities. Ann feels frustrated and impatient with John and his unhealthy lifestyle.
Action:
Justification:
2. Sarah, ARNP has been working with a group of physicians in their private practice. Recently, the physicians have become partners in a business that promotes multivitamins for such things as arthritis, energy level, and overall health. They have offered Sarah a portion of the profits for every patient she signs up for the vitamin program.
Action:
Justification:
3. Rose, RN is caring for Arthur, a 79-year old with a small, asymptomatic hernia. He is scheduled for hernia repair surgery this morning. He asks Rose if this surgery is really necessary, mentioning “watchful waiting” as an idea he found on the Internet. He had a brother that died having a minor surgery. Rose phones the physician and explains her patient’s concerns. The physician speaks to Arthur, who then agrees to have the surgery.
Action:
Justification:
4. Adam, RN has been working at an extended care facility for almost eight months and has become increasingly concerned about safety issues at the facility. He thinks the staffing is inadequate for the number of patients, and the policies and procedures are inaccessible. As one of only three RNs on the unit, Adam has been trying to improve conditions and make sure policies are visible and up-to-date. He has had very little success.
Action:
Justification:
5. Tom, RN is eating lunch with his co-workers at his place of employment. One co-worker tells the group about a man who came to the Emergency Department earlier that day with a foreign object stuck in his rectum who was later sent to surgery for its removal. You and your co-workers find it funny, and it’s possible that others in and/or outside of the room could hear your discussion and laughter.
Action:
Justification:
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MMK Fall 2020