Read the description of the six caps and the “Case Study for Six Caps” on p. 175 (Challenge 8-1) of Professional Nursing. Remember to use APA format including a cover page. Provide reference citations where appropriate. The assignment is due by day seven (Monday) of week three. The assignment is worth 10 points. Format and mechanics are worth 2 points, and the content is worth 8 points (1.33 points per question).

White cap:
What pieces of information are needed to assist the family in making a decision regarding Marianne’s care? What is her diagnosis? What treatments are available? What is the prognosis of these treatments? Who decides if she doesn’t have an advanced directive?

Red cap:
How might family members’ values and morals affect their decision-making process when faced with potential end-of-life decisions for a loved one? Their religious views could affect the outcome and hinder their ability to make a decision that benefits their mother the most. They may be too emotional and unable to come to a decision.

Black cap:
Discuss ways in which nurses can integrate concepts found within the American Nurses Association’s Code of Nursing Ethics and the Nursing Practice Act when caring for patients and their families. In this situation the patient is unable to speak for herself and has left no advance directives. I would say that Provision 2.3 Collaboration is important. It will need a collective effort and cooperation from everyone to achieve the best goal for her. Provision 2.4 Professional boundaries is another important factor. A nurse must keep her personal feelings out of it and attempt to navigate through the family conflict that may arise to perform her optimum for the patient. (Nursingworld, 2014)

Yellow cap:
How might the family benefit from conversations with their loved ones’ health care providers and spiritual advisor during their periods of stress?

The health care provider can give them an unemotional view of the reality of the situation. They will give them facts as opposed to feelings, which could help them make a decision. Speaking to a spiritual advisor may help them work through their feelings that may be associated with it like guilt and grief.

Green cap:
Describe how ethics committees can provide support to patients’ families during their difficult decision-making process. First and foremost they can give them the facts of the situation and the possible outcomes. They can also provide support by making them feel included in the process by hearing the family’s feelings.

Blue cap:
How do you see your own morals and values affecting your feelings regarding difficult decisions for end of life care? I am sure that it is difficult to see anyone in that situation. You feel empathy for the situation. It is hardest moments in people’s lives. As a nurse I feel that it’s important to provide support and comfort while collaborating with the healthcare team. Death is an unfortunate fact of life, but I would at least want to try and make it as peaceful as possible for all involved. I am a firm believer in quality of life as opposed to quantity. I personally wouldn’t want any excessive measures if the prognosis is poor. I cannot allow my view to detract from someone else’s decision.

References:

Ethics Standards/Code of Ethics. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2014, from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/CodeofEthicsforNurses/Code-of-Ethics.pdf