Examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing. Legal And Ethical Issues In Mental Health Nursing Essay 2022-10-09

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Mental health nursing involves the care and treatment of individuals with mental illness, and as with any area of healthcare, it is important for mental health nurses to uphold ethical standards and practices. In this essay, we will explore some examples of ethical issues that may arise in mental health nursing and how these can be addressed.

One common ethical issue in mental health nursing is the issue of informed consent. This refers to the process of ensuring that patients are fully informed about their treatment options and the potential risks and benefits of each, and that they are able to make an informed decision about their care. This can be particularly challenging in the context of mental health, as many individuals may not have the capacity to fully understand or make decisions about their treatment due to the nature of their illness. In these cases, it may be necessary for the nurse to work closely with the patient's family or legal guardian to ensure that the patient's rights are protected and their best interests are upheld.

Another ethical issue that may arise in mental health nursing is the issue of confidentiality. Mental health patients may be particularly vulnerable to stigma and discrimination, and it is important for nurses to protect the privacy and confidentiality of their patients to ensure that they feel safe and supported. This can be challenging in cases where the patient's condition may pose a risk to themselves or others, and the nurse may need to weigh the need to protect the patient's privacy against the need to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

A third ethical issue that may arise in mental health nursing is the issue of autonomy and autonomy. Mental health patients may have limited capacity to make decisions about their own care, and it may be necessary for nurses to make decisions on their behalf. This can be challenging, as it may involve balancing the patient's rights and best interests with the need to provide effective treatment and support. In these cases, it is important for the nurse to involve the patient as much as possible in the decision-making process and to respect their autonomy and dignity.

In conclusion, mental health nursing involves the care and treatment of individuals with mental illness, and it is important for nurses to uphold ethical standards and practices in this area. Some examples of ethical issues that may arise include the issue of informed consent, confidentiality, and autonomy and dignity. By addressing these issues in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, mental health nurses can ensure that their patients receive the best possible care and support.

Ethical Issues in Mental Health Nursing

examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing

As the wound was neither life threatening or of such a degree that it could not be safety managed upon the ward enabled the staff to consider the possibility of allowing Anita to make an autonomous choice. Michael, as an adult, is considered competent if the opposite is not proven Australian Law Reform Commission, 2010. This column explores the risks particular to inpatient psychiatric settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting ethical quandaries, and potential creative solutions that may persist beyond this crisis. Avoiding ethical dilemmas, like the examples of ethical dilemmas in nursing featured in this article, can have negative consequences. RECOMMENDED ONLINE MSN PROGRAMS What Is An Ethical Dilemma In Nursing? Wesley what medication allergies he has and ask what his reaction to that medication is. The doctor will most likely appreciate your thoughtfulness and attention to detail which prevented a mistake from happening.

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20 Most

examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing

Ethical Dilemma: The decision to disclose the seriousness of a patient's condition is not a new ethical dilemma in nursing. Our nursing and healthcare experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have, from simple essay plans, through to full nursing dissertations. According to Jennifer Wilson-Barnett, contributor for the Journal of Medical Ethics, the role of a nurse has expanded, and nurses are now more involved in contributing to patient outcomes Decisions Some ethical dilemmas are specific to mental health nursing and are seen rarely in other areas of practice The patient might contest this decision. Instead, the nurse should encourage the patient to talk with her significant other if appropriate , family, spiritual advisor, or others she feels she can confide in and seek advice. It is best to answer questions as carefully and thoroughly as possible. Incompetence in decision-making must be established officially, and a guardian must be appointed. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.

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Legal And Ethical Issues In Mental Health Nursing Essay

examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing

Electronic communication is here to stay. A lengthy process will take time, which could be spent on treatment and not promote patient trust in the staff. Nurses exhibit paternalism in the described scenario, which is common in the field. The science behind patient care may contradict personal or religious beliefs. Are large proportion of moral and ethical dilemmas that are faced by nurses stem from the conflicting principles of autonomy and beneficence. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels.

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Ethical Considerations for Mental Health Professionals

examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing

Simms's doctor advised him and his family that treatment will likely be unsuccessful and, although it may offer a few more months of life, Mr. Nurse managers can intervene in situations where ethical and professional boundaries are crossed by either patients or nurses. However, even then, you would have to choose which patients are in more need of the proper medication right then and there. Morris and their children are skeptical about telling Mr. Samantha is reluctant, stating that, although she does not currently go to church, she was raised to believe abortion is wrong and believes God will heal her. Similarly, the two help one another in medicine, as research has confirmed that spiritual practice can positively impact medical value.

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Legal And Ethical Issues In Mental Health Nursing Nursing Essay

examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing

What are the five ethical issues in psychological research? How to Deal with this Ethical Dilemma: Although the nurse may have good intentions, the patient's right to autonomy must be weighed against what the nurse feels is appropriate. Example 11: Inadequate Staffing Scenario: Nurse Cathy is working the evening shift on the Medical-Surgical ward. He is well-known to the ER staff, having been admitted for drug abuse complications on more than one occasion previously. More substantial guidelines have been offered by researchers. However with collaborative working practices this case study has shown that solutions can be found in even the most complicated of nursing dilemmas.

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What Are The Ethical Issues In Mental Health

examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing

Conflicting ethical principles and dilemmas Lakeman 2009 points out that an ethical dilemma occurs when there are a multitude of alternative courses of action to deal with a particular situation. How to Deal with this Ethical Dilemma: The language used in healthcare and on healthcare documents is complicated to most patients. The discussion paper will conclude with the safest outcomes and decisions the health visitor would make. However, the way it addresses ethical dilemmas can vary in different situations. Nurses may feel frustrated because the science they know is not enough to save their patients.

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Ethical Issues in Nursing: Explanations & Solutions

examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing

For someone in the midst of a crisis, this could prove detrimental or even life threatening. However, patients have the right to know about their medical conditions. The decision is often made by administration for the organization, but the mental health nurse is the person who must care for the patient. We are always taught to be truthful, but what if you feel like you will be causing more harm than good by being honest? One day, he mentions that he has grown tired of dealing with the disease, and when the time comes, he would not like to be resuscitated. To help determine whether Anita has capacity, The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out a two stage functional approach. As she felt that the pressure of being constantly watched would unsettle her further, thus not allowing her to manage her own feelings, it was initially agreed to place Anita on intermittent observation as opposed to constant within the scope of the policy on safe and supportive observations of the service that was caring for her Oxford Health 2010.


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Mental Health Nursing Practice and Ethical Issues

examples of ethical issues in mental health nursing

Nurse managers can also provide regular trainings for their nurses regarding recurring issues. Mental health nursing works with a complex set of patients. If a situation occurs where compassion and duty do not align with a facility protocol, the nurse should immediately talk to the charge nurse and explain the situation and ask for advice or intervention. Jones is an "addict with a preference for pain medications. Anita is a young woman with a primary diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder borderline type as defined by the World Health Organisation WHO 2010. Thomas' physician suggests the next step is amputation. While the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to inpatient psychiatry are formidable, the solutions emerging from this crisis reveal the creativity and adaptability of our colleagues.

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