Patient Confidentiality Breach
- Identify the ethical challenge in nursing you selected.
- Explain why you selected this ethical challenge and why you think it is important.
- Describe the specific situation you experienced. Be specific and provide examples. Explain the following:
- What happened?
- How did you and the other stakeholders involved address it?
- Do you agree with the approach(es) that were taken?
- Would you have done anything differently? If so, what?
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Patient Confidentiality Breach
Selected Ethical Challenge
The ethical challenge I selected is patient confidentiality versus the need to share information for safety. I chose this because confidentiality is central to nursing trust, yet there are times when withholding certain information can endanger others. It is important because nurses must protect patient privacy while also preventing potential harm, which can create moral stress in practice.
Importance of the Challenge
This challenge is important as it tests the balance between respecting a patient’s autonomy and fulfilling a duty to protect others. Patient confidentiality is legally and ethically mandated, but real-life scenarios can blur the lines. Failing to act appropriately may lead to legal issues, loss of trust, or harm. Nurses must be skilled in navigating these complex situations.
Specific Situation Experienced
In one case, a patient disclosed having a contagious condition but refused to inform their close contacts. This posed a public health risk. I informed the healthcare team while maintaining as much discretion as possible. The stakeholders, including the physician and infection control officer, worked together to ensure contact tracing and necessary interventions while minimizing the patient’s discomfort and breach of trust.
Evaluation and Reflection
I agree with the approach because it prioritized safety without unnecessarily exposing the patient’s identity. However, I would have engaged a counselor earlier to help the patient understand the importance of disclosure. A more empathetic, supportive conversation might have encouraged voluntary sharing of information, reducing tension while meeting both ethical and public health responsibilities.
