Ethical Dilemmas in Medication Administration in Healthcare Settings

 

Essay on Ethical Dilemmas in Medication Administration in Healthcare Settings

The scenario involving Denise, an LPN working in a nursing home facing conflicting responsibilities and ethical concerns, raises critical issues related to patient safety, professional ethics, and legal liability. The policy of having one LPN prepare medications for multiple shifts poses potential risks and challenges, and healthcare professionals like Denise must navigate these complexities while prioritizing patient well-being.

Thesis Statement

Denise’s situation highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers in balancing job responsibilities with patient safety. The policy requiring one LPN to prepare medications for multiple shifts can lead to errors, jeopardize patient care, and raise legal implications for negligence. Denise must consider her ethical obligations as a healthcare professional and take appropriate actions to safeguard patient welfare.

A) What are the potential problems with this policy?

The policy of having one LPN prepare medications for both evening and morning shifts can result in several potential problems:

1. Increased Risk of Medication Errors: Rushing through medication preparation due to time constraints can lead to errors such as administering the wrong dosage or medication to patients.
2. Lack of Accountability: When multiple shifts are involved in medication preparation, accountability for errors may become blurred, making it challenging to identify the responsible party.
3. Fatigue and Burnout: Overloading one LPN with medication preparation for multiple shifts can lead to fatigue, stress, and burnout, affecting their ability to provide safe and effective care.
4. Violation of Patient Safety Standards: The policy may violate established patient safety protocols that recommend individualized medication administration by responsible healthcare providers.

B) What should Denise do?

Denise finds herself in a difficult situation where she is torn between job security and patient safety. To address this dilemma effectively, Denise should consider the following actions:

1. Express Concerns: Denise should communicate her concerns about the policy to her superiors, emphasizing the potential risks to patient safety and the ethical implications of the practice.
2. Seek Guidance: Consulting with nursing supervisors, ethics committees, or professional organizations can provide Denise with guidance on how to navigate the ethical challenges she faces.
3. Document Concerns: Keeping a record of her objections and attempts to address the issue can protect Denise in case of adverse outcomes or legal repercussions.
4. Request Training or Support: If Denise feels overwhelmed by the workload or lack of resources, she should request additional training, support, or staffing to ensure safe medication administration.

C) If a patient is harmed by receiving the incorrect medicine, who would be charged with negligence?

In the unfortunate event that a patient is harmed due to receiving the incorrect medication as a result of the flawed policy, determining liability for negligence would depend on several factors:

1. Direct Responsibility: The LPN who administered the incorrect medication would bear primary responsibility for negligence if they deviated from standard protocols or failed to verify the medication properly.
2. Supervisory Oversight: The nursing home management and supervisors may also be held accountable for negligence if they were aware of the risky policy but failed to take corrective action or provide adequate supervision.
3. Institutional Liability: The nursing home itself could face legal consequences for failing to establish safe medication administration practices and ensuring staff adherence to patient safety guidelines.

In conclusion, the case of Denise underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards and prioritizing patient safety in healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals must advocate for safe practices, address ethical dilemmas proactively, and collaborate with colleagues and management to ensure optimal care delivery while maintaining professional integrity and ethical standards.