Accountability in Nursing Practice Deception and Truth

Question: Discuss about the Accountability in Nursing Practice for Deception and Truth. Answer: Issues Related to the Deception and Truth Telling As mentioned by Staunton and Chiarella (2013), the nurse needs to be honest during the communication with the patient and share the concerns with the patient. Moreover, the patient needs to have trust on the physician. Therefore, the nurse should not practice dishonesty. Moreover, the Australian health ethics committee is much concerned about the ethical implication. Therefore, it is unethical to hide the truth from the patient. Before practicing such unethical behavior, the nurse needs to know the reasons behind such request. If the nurse needs to practice such behavior, she should consult with the seniors to avoid the ethical issues. Therefore, the nurse should not hide the truth from the patient and provide the correct information. However, as the son of the patient is requesting the nurse not to reveal the truth, therefore it may not create major issues. Cherry and Jacob (2016) mentioned that the nurse needs to have the informed consent from the patient and family members before taking any decision. Advantages not to Inform the Patient about Diagnosis If the nurse does not inform Mrs. D about her diagnosis, she may feel better. Moreover, the patient may not face emotional breakdown. However, Chiarella (2013) mentioned that the patient has the right to know about her disease and diagnosis that will help her to accept the truth. On the other hand, the news of the bowel cancer can make Mrs. D depressed and she may feel like unwanted and suffer from anxiety. In such condition, anxiety is harmful for the patient. Kerridge, Lowe and Stewart (2013) opined that the family members might have the concern to give the news themselves first to the patients. This may be helpful for the patient to be emotionally strong. However, in the case scenario, it is clear that for which reason Mrs. Ds son requested not to disclose the news of the bowel cancer to her. If Mrs. D knew about the disease then she might leave the living wish. Kerridge, Lowe and Stewart (2013) stated that it is the duty of a nurse to demonstrate the truth to the patient. Justification of the non-Disclosure The patient may have different perspective and cultural background on which the truthfulness of the disclosure depends. Therefore, the patient may not feel easy to hear the truth from the nurse. In such case, the son can reveal the truth to the patient. In such condition, the patient needs motivation and caring. However, the nurse needs to maintain the ethical consideration (Aihw.gov.au. 2017). Before that, the nurse needs to understand the mentality, cultural background of the patient. The nurse needs to be sensitive to communicate with the patient and make her feel comfortable before sharing the concern. Non-disclosure of the truth can reduce the anxiety of the patient and motivate her to get well soon. Moreover, as the family member of the patient gave his consent not to disclose the truth, it can less harmful for the nurse. It can be expected that this approach can help Mrs. D to survive against the disease. References Aihw.gov.au. 2017.Expenditure publications (AIHW). [online] Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/expenditure-publications/ [Accessed 11 Apr. 2017]. Cherry, B. and Jacob, S.R., 2016.Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, management. Elsevier Health Sciences. Kerridge, I., Lowe, M. and Stewart, C., 2013, Ethics and Law for the Health Professions, Federation Press. Available online under the Assessments Icon. Staunton, P. and Chiarella, M., 2013, Law for Nurses and Midwives, 7th Edition, Elsevier. Bibliography Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au. 2017. AHPRA - The ANMC Code of Ethics [online] Available at: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Codes- Guidelines.aspx#codesofethics [Accessed 12 Apr. 2017]. Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au, 2017. The ANMC Code of Professional Conduc.t [online] Available at: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Codes-Guidelines.aspx#codesofethics [Accessed 12 Apr. 2017].