The idea of providing someone with high-quality care involves the concept of respect and acceptance of the patient’s wishes. The definition of nursing practice is illustrated through the provision of diagnostics and treatment procedures as a response to a potential health threat (New York State Education Department, n.d). However, a recent dilemma personally encountered first-hand was the patient’s refusal of medication during end-of-life care. On the one hand, medications would prolong the individual’s life and well-being. On the other hand, the person’s decision was to avoid any treatment. Thus, such situations create ethical dilemmas for healthcare providers.
Legally, the patient is able to defend their rights for making choices in regards to health issues. Researchers point out that autonomy is legally covered by both state and federal legislation as long as there is consent (Olejarczyk, 2021). Thus, a person can refuse hospitalization, medication, and treatment. From an ethical perspective, medical providers are supposed to do no harm. However, as the patient perceives treatment as harm aimed against autonomy, respecting the individual’s wishes is a way of providing patient-centered care.
I would not go against the law and the patient’s wishes by treating without consent. Nursing practice does not always correlate with one’s ethical beliefs, which is why following the guidelines can be the only solution to a dilemma. I would, of course, explain all the possible side effects and adverse outcomes that correlate with a lack of treatment. However, if the patient still maintains a strong position of autonomy, I would not go against the wishes since it is not ethical or legally permitted.
The NYS Nurse Practice Act does not give nurses the option to avoid current legislative and practical guidelines. Specifically, it is stated that the practice protocol has to consider generally accepted nursing practices (New York State Education Department, n.d). Thus, as there is legislation and multiple guidelines in regards to the importance of autonomy, it shall not be overlooked.
References
New York State Education Department. (n.d.). Office of the professions. Web.
Olejarczyk, J. P. (2021). Patient rights and ethics. Web.