Medical Ethics: Truth Telling

Had my first case where I was confronted with an ethical dilemma, to share the news of a diagnosis with a patient or to honor the wishes of his mother which was to tell him he was "okay" and "going to get better". In this case, he was a permanent paraplegic and yes, he would probably get "better" but not in terms of ever walking again. I stumbled upon this situation when he asked me why he couldn't move his legs and I explained to him what happened...only to find out this kid who had been in the hospital 2 weeks had not been informed of his diagnosis (or at least he was still under too much medication to comprehend what happened). In the end, after I talked to him about his diagnosis his attitude changed to one of defiance, anger and frustration from what I now see as being confused and knowing something was wrong with him but no one telling him to a cooperative, grateful kid who was facing his future head on. He went from pulling out tubes (PEG tube, self extubating, pulling out IV's, etc!) to brushing his own teeth, suctioning his own mouth and helping to reposition himself as best he could. I think in this case, it was better to talk with him in a kind, gentle yet honest manner instead of acting like nothing was wrong.

http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/truth.html

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I'm a 26 year old female status post graduation with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona 1 year ago. NKA and Full Code. No pertinent health history. I am interested in starting a blog about my boring and exciting nights in a Trauma Intensive Care Unit in Phoenix. I love my job and I love working nights! My co-workers are awesome, my unit caters Level 1 Traumas so when I clock in every night I literally don't know what the night holds. Sometimes, I run my butt off...other times I am able to really spend 1 on 1 time with my patients participating in their healing. I try and follow holistic nursing care and really view my patients as a person with a mind, body and soul. I hope this blog not only catalogs my experiences as a new nurse but will join me with a community of nurses who are sharing their experiences online!


I can't end without mentioning an important piece of my life that makes me who I am and contributes to everything that I do...my amazing husband, Rob, who is always there for me and helps me as a become the person and nurse God has intended for me to be.