Discussion: Ethical Challenges in Health Care for Practicing NPs
Consider the following case study:
Mrs. ABC is a 35 year old woman who has a scheduled business trip today. It is currently 8 am, and her plan is to leave at 6 pm. Mrs. ABC has a sore throat and she thinks it is strep because her 5 year old daughter was recently treated for strep. Mrs. ABC calls her physician for an appointment, but there are no appointments available until next week. She has a mother who is a nurse practitioner and her office is 5 minutes away from where she lives. She calls and schedules an appointment with her mother. Her mother was surprised to see her daughter at the office. Mrs. ABC is frantic and begs her mother for an antibiotic. Her mother tests her and the rapid strep test is negative in office. Her mother (NP) sends out a strep DNA probe. Her mother prescribes an antibiotic and the patient (her daughter) is very satisfied. The results returned for the DNA probe 48 hours later and it confirmed negative for strep.
Post at least 250 words (no introduction or conclusion)
1. An explanation of whether Nurse Practioners should treat family members.
2. What are the ethical dilemmas in this situation?
3. What are the laws in your state (OHIO) for Nurse Practitioners treating themselves, family, or friends?