Bshs 335 - the Case of the Missing Record
Autor: ttsilly • December 21, 2015 • Research Paper • 753 Words (4 Pages) • 955 Views
Case 7: The Case of the Missing Record
BSHS/335
April 21, 2014
Case 7: The Case of the Missing Record
Everyday human service professionals will run into complicated and difficult decisions that need to be made. In this case study the ethical dilemma that has arisen is missing records, which include a DNR (do not resuscitate) order and a dilemma whether or not to honor the patients oral consent. DNR orders are ethically acceptable in the health care field but since the patient’s records are missing, it has now become an ethical issue.
In the case of Helen Maxwell, issues have arisen due to the fact her records are missing. She was rushed to the hospital with nausea and severe heartburn which can be related to cardiac problems. When Helen was in the emergency department she told the nursing staff that she has a DNR order. This is when issues started to surface. When Helens physician requested her previous records, her DNR was not in her records and her records were not updated by past physicians, making them incomplete. Since no record was found Helen is now on a feeding tube and unable to function on her own. Her closest relative, which is her daughter, now has the burden of making a very difficult decision (Grebner, 2009).
As a human service professional I have to approach this dilemma delicately. Helen did tell the nursing staff that she in fact has a DNR but without a signed document the hospital staff proceeded with CPR methods to revive her. The daughter may be overwhelmed and need assistance in making the final decision since Helen is no longer capable. So I would not have to be intrusive on the daughter I would first find out how performing CPR would impact the patients quality of life. If CPR proves to not improve a patient’s life or even makes things worse than I would bring that to the physician’s attention. “If CPR is judged to be medically futile, this means that the physician is under no obligation to provide it” (Braddock, 1998, p. 8). Relaying this information to Helens daughter can help lessen the burden of making such a hard decision (Grebner, 2009).
The confidentiality in Helens case has somewhat been compromised, raising another ethical dilemma. “The obligation of confidentiality prohibits the health provider from disclosing information about the patient’s case to others without permission” (Bord, Burke, & Dudzinski, 2013, p. 4). Since getting Helens records were crucial, the amount of people enlisted and informed of her situation can justify the breach of confidentiality. Legal issues could arise due to the fact of physicians not keeping accurate records which ended up compromising Helens wishes. Once the DNR dilemma is taken care of I would have an obligation to inform Helens daughter of this matter (Grebner, 2009).
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