Case Study

Mr Saheed Bott is a 69 year old semi-retired university professor. His wife passed away 12 months ago and Saheed has kept himself busy marking papers from the university, reading and travelling. He has a son who has recently moved interstate for work.
Mr Bott wears glasses for reading and other than a permanent colostomy (resulting from a large bowel infarction in 2005) he has nil significant medical history to report.

Last night Mr Bott was at dinner with friends when he suddenly became unwell and had difficulties speaking. Mr Bott was brought in by ambulance to the emergency department and was diagnosed as having had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with residual right (R) sided hemiplegia, dysphagia and dysphasia.

Mr Bott is transferred to the acute medical ward where you work.

Mr Bott appears drowsy but is responsive with a GCS of 13. He is currently Nil by Mouth (NBM) whilst awaiting a speech pathology review.

His vital signs on arrival are: Oral temperature 36.5 degrees C ; P 108 bpm; R 26 bpm; SpO2 96% on room air and BP 180/90 mmHg.

Mr Bott has developed a chest infection, he slowly and with difficulty explains to you that he does not wish to take antibiotics and wishes to be left to die in peace. Evaluate the role of the nurse in this situation, including the legal aspects of refusal of treatment.

Question

Mr Bott has developed a chest infection, he slowly and with difficulty explains to you that he does not wish to take antibiotics and wishes to be left to die in peace. Evaluate the role of the nurse in this situation, including the legal aspects of refusal of treatment.

In January 2016, The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia published a new Standards for practice for enrolled nurses. From this document, identify the most applicable standard relating to client rights and provide a rationale for your selection.