ANA Code Of Nursing Ethics Paper

Chelissa Biegen-Szymanowski, Veracity, or truth telling, “engenders respect, open communication, trust, and shared responsibility. It is promoted in all professional codes of nursing ethics” (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014, p. 73). In order to effectively illustrate veracity in the workplace, a nurse must openly communicate with their patient, deleting any barriers that exist. In the case study, Jackson assumed that her patient abused pain medication, which prompted her to offer a placebo in its place. Upholding the nursing ethics, I agree with you that the nurse obtains an obligation to speak the truth, when questioned on procedures, treatments, and diagnoses. According to the ANA Code of Ethics (American Nurses Association, 2015, p. 2), provision

Through placebo use, a nurse can test the veracity of a patient’s claim. Just as a healthcare provider should not deceive their patients, patients should also not deceive their doctors, by requesting unnecessary diagnostic tests and treatments. Deception comes common in the health care setting, as patients tend to exaggerate or hide their pain, in an attempt to either receive additional or minimal treatment. To test deceitful claims, a placebo rests highly effective. Similarly to your claim, I agree that the use of a placebo stand ethically justifiable, as it does not cause harm. The placebo itself does not cause harm to Mrs. J, but it could prolong her pain, if the pain exists. In provision 1.3 (American Nurses Association, 2015, p. 2), it states, “Nurses are leaders who actively participate in assuring the responsible and appropriate use of interventions in order to optimize the health and well-being of those in their care.” In order to assure that Mrs. J is not requesting an unnecessary pain medication, a placebo acts a way to diminish unwarranted medical care. While I agree with you that using a placebo rest ethically justifiable, I disagree that the placebo caught Mrs. J’s behavior before the damage occurred, or that writing a prescription for pain medication would get Mrs. J in trouble. Pain is subjective; a pain an individual feels cannot be felt by others, but must rather be trusted. While the nurse may not have believed that the patient suffered pain, it did was not guaranteed. As a nurse, the patient stands as the primary concern, and their signs and symptoms must be noted. It is not ethically justifiable to falsely advertise a medication to a patient. In trials where placebos do get used, the patient consents, whereas in this case study, the patient did not receive information. The nurse assumed an action of a patient and altered her medication, which not only stands