Ethical Dilemna
Robbie a 12 year old is hospitalized for multiple myeloma. The family has been told his condition is terminal there is nothing more to be done except keep him comfortable . His mother is distant, uncommunicative and rarely visits. When she does, she doesn’t touch Robbie or speak to him. She sits in a recliner by a window, reading novels and requesting cokes multiple times per visit. The staff calls a family meeting but the mother is conspicuously absent. Robbie’s father is frantic, demanding further treatments, regardless of the low likelihood of efficacy. During the family meeting he directs the team NOT to tell Robbie he might die, as he would lose hope. He states “in our culture, we keep this news from patients to avoid upsetting them”. You are the nurse. When you are alone caring for Robbie, he asks you . “Am i dying”?
Please respond to each question. Please submit in Ms word using APA style. Please utilise the level heading using the questions. Each question must be answered using substantial response, cite references.
a) How should you respond?
b)What are three options you could select? Cite the advantages and disadvantages of each
c)How does the Code of Ethics for nurses guide you in the virtue of truth-telling
d)Who is the authorised decision maker in this case?
e)What other considerations play a part in your response?