Reference no: EM133396666
Ethics ISSUE 1:
A physician assistant (PA) in a medical practice with several physicians contacts his professional association, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), to report that one of his employing physicians often recommends chiropractic treatment for patients with persistent back pain issues that have resisted medical solutions. The PA knows it is legal to refer a patient for chiropractic treatments, but he adamantly opposes the practice, considering it "bogus medicine." The physician declines to discuss the matter.
Discussion Questions
In your opinion, how might the situation be resolved?
Is it ethical for the PA to continue working for the physician when their opinions differ so widely on this issue?
Ethics ISSUE 2:
A registered nurse calls her professional organization's ethics consultant to ask for resources she can present to her employing medical clinic to support her intention to quit working with a physician she feels is providing sloppy and possibly dangerous care.
Discussion Questions
What is the most essential principle for the nurse to consider here?
In your opinion, are there legal issues inherent in this situation, as well as ethical issues? Explain your answer.
Ethics ISSUE 3:
A PA has been helping treat a patient awaiting a heart transplant. The patient is depressed and says he no longer wants to live. The PA is doubtful that the patient will cooperate in the demanding regimen required for post-transplantation patients.
Discussion Question
Is it ethical for the PA to discuss the patient's depression with the patient's family? Should the PA find out if the patient has been treated for depression before the heart issues?
Ethics ISSUE 4:
Family members of a certified medical assistant employed by a medical clinic in a small community often ask the CMA (AAMA) for medical advice. Two of her family members have asked her to bring antibiotic samples home for them.
Discussion Question
In your opinion, would it be ethical or legal for the CMA (AAMA) to give medical advice to her own family members? To bring drug samples home for them? Explain your answers.
Ethics ISSUE 5:
A radiology technician practicing in a small community is interested in dating a person he has seen as a patient.
Discussion Question
In your opinion, would it be ethical for the radiology technician to date one of his patients? Would it be ethical for him to date a coworker? Explain your answers.