Chapter 25, Problem 2RP

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

What do you think might have happened if the patient were told about the drug testing?

Case summary:

The nursing student was assigned to follow a nurse in labor and delivery. They met Ms. B, who was expecting her first child. On entering the patient’s room, they found that the room was dark and extremely cluttered with candy wrappers, food, and trash overflowing onto the floor. The patient’s partner was found to be sleeping in the room. After leaving the room, the nurse told the nursing student that this couple had a history of drug use. The nurse also told that they had to get a urine sample from the patient to do a dipstick test and drug screening. The patient was not going to be informed about this. The nursing student was shocked and confused by this action.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Do you feel that the nurse’s action of not telling the patient was based on appropriate legal and ethical principles? Why or why not?

Case summary:

The nursing student was assigned to follow a nurse in labor and delivery. They met Ms. B, who was expecting her first child. On entering the patient’s room, they found that the room was dark and extremely cluttered with candy wrappers, food, and trash overflowing onto the floor. The patient’s partner was found to be sleeping in the room. After leaving the room, the nurse told the nursing student that this couple had a history of drug use. The nurse also told that they had to get a urine sample from the patient to do a dipstick test and drug screening. The patient was not going to be informed about this. The nursing student was shocked and confused by this action.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

If so, what ethical and legal principles formed the basis for the action?

Case summary:

The nursing student was assigned to follow a nurse in labor and delivery. They met Ms. B, who was expecting her first child. On entering the patient’s room, they found that the room was dark and extremely cluttered with candy wrappers, food, and trash overflowing onto the floor. The patient’s partner was found to be sleeping in the room. After leaving the room, the nurse told the nursing student that this couple had a history of drug use. The nurse also told that they had to get a urine sample from the patient to do a dipstick test and drug screening. The patient was not going to be informed about this. The nursing student was shocked and confused by this action.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

If not, what ethical and legal principles were violated?

Case summary:

The nursing student was assigned to follow a nurse in labor and delivery. They met Ms. B, who was expecting her first child. On entering the patient’s room, they found that the room was dark and extremely cluttered with candy wrappers, food, and trash overflowing onto the floor. The patient’s partner was found to be sleeping in the room. After leaving the room, the nurse told the nursing student that this couple had a history of drug use. The nurse also told that they had to get a urine sample from the patient to do a dipstick test and drug screening. The patient was not going to be informed about this. The nursing student was shocked and confused by this action.