A nurse makes a medication error and the a patient dies. That nurse must now go before the ethics commitee.
QUESTION
A nurse makes a medication error and the a patient dies. That nurse must now go before the ethics commitee. The nurse is faced with a discussion of code of ethics for nursing.
Describe nursing practice that is consistent with the code of ethics for nursing and decide where the nurse violated the code.
Discuss nursing practice that could have prevented the error
ANSWER
Title: Nursing Practice Consistent with the Code of Ethics: Preventing Medication Errors
Introduction
Nursing is a noble profession with a deep commitment to providing safe and compassionate care to patients. The nursing code of ethics serves as a guiding framework that outlines the professional responsibilities and values expected from nurses. In cases where medication errors occur and lead to adverse outcomes, it becomes crucial to evaluate the nursing practice in light of the code of ethics. This essay will explore the principles of nursing practice consistent with the code of ethics and discuss how adherence to these principles could have prevented the tragic medication error that resulted in the patient’s demise.
Code of Ethics for Nursing
The code of ethics for nursing is built on core principles that encompass professional integrity, patient advocacy, accountability, and lifelong learning (Zahedi, 2013). By understanding and integrating these principles into their practice, nurses can ensure the delivery of high-quality care while minimizing the risks associated with medication errors.
Professional Competence
Nursing practice demands a high level of professional competence, including a thorough understanding of medications, their indications, dosage calculations, and potential adverse effects. Nurses should stay updated with current evidence-based practices and attend regular continuing education programs to enhance their knowledge and skills. By maintaining professional competence, nurses can accurately administer medications, identify potential errors, and take appropriate actions to prevent harm.
Effective Communication
Open and effective communication is vital in preventing medication errors (O’Daniel, 2008). Nurses must maintain clear lines of communication with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and colleagues, to ensure accurate medication administration. Clear documentation and concise handovers between shifts enable seamless transitions in patient care, reducing the likelihood of errors due to miscommunication.
Medication Safety Protocols
Adherence to medication safety protocols is crucial in preventing errors. Nurses must follow standard procedures, such as the “Five Rights” (right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time), double-checking labels, and verifying medication orders. Utilizing barcode scanning technology and automated medication dispensing systems can further enhance accuracy and reduce the risk of medication errors.
Error Reporting and Learning
Nurses have an ethical obligation to report any medication errors promptly. By reporting errors, healthcare institutions can identify system weaknesses and implement preventive measures. Nurses should engage in a blame-free culture that encourages open discussions about errors, ensuring that valuable lessons are learned and shared to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Violation of the Code of Ethics
In the scenario described, the nurse’s medication error resulting in a patient’s death clearly violates several principles of the nursing code of ethics (Rodziewicz, 2023). The violation includes a failure to demonstrate professional competence, such as inadequate knowledge of the medication’s proper administration, dosage calculation errors, or unfamiliarity with potential adverse effects. Additionally, there may have been a breakdown in effective communication, as evidenced by insufficient collaboration with other healthcare professionals or inadequate documentation of medication administration.
Preventing the Error
Adherence to the principles of the nursing code of ethics could have significantly reduced the likelihood of the tragic medication error. By maintaining professional competence, the nurse would have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately administer the medication, ensuring patient safety. Effective communication with the healthcare team, including thorough medication handovers, would have allowed for critical information exchange and identification of potential errors. Following established medication safety protocols, such as the “Five Rights” and utilizing available technologies, would have served as additional safeguards.
Conclusion
Nursing practice consistent with the code of ethics emphasizes professional competence, effective communication, adherence to medication safety protocols, and a commitment to learning from errors. Unfortunately, in the described scenario, the nurse’s actions violated these principles, leading to a tragic outcome. By reflecting upon this incident, healthcare organizations can reinforce the importance of ethical nursing practice, emphasize the need for ongoing education and training, and foster a culture that encourages open communication and continuous improvement. Through these efforts, nurses can strive to prevent medication errors, protect patient safety, and uphold the highest standards of ethical nursing care.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2637/
O’Daniel, M. (2008, April 1). Professional Communication and Team Collaboration. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf.
Rodziewicz, T. L. (2023, May 2). Medical Error Reduction and Prevention. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499956/
Zahedi, F. (2013). The Code of Ethics for Nurses. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712593/

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