Question

Discussion 1. Describe how the nonconsequential theory of ethics applies in this case. 2. What questions might the consequentialist raise after reviewing the facts of this case?

Answer 1

1. Nonconsequentialist theory of ethics is based on the argument that the right and wrong of the deed is not based on the consequence and nature of the outcome but it is also based partly or somewhat on the intentions or the pain characterstics of the events.

In this case this theory is highly applicable as it is seen that the events or actions can not always be judged or evaluated on basis of the nature of their outcomes, the nonconsequentialist theorists define that it can be possible that the people with right intentions act in manner that brings about wrong outcomes or negative consequences and vise versa. As in this case the intention of nursing staff or the doctor was not wrong but the outcome tend to be wrong.

2. The consequentialist after reviewing this case may raise couple of questions, firstly as the outcome is negative the major question raised is due to negligence or wrong doing the patient is the one to suffer, so how does this fit into the nursing ethics of care, secondly the consequentialist mainly focuses on the fact that the intentions can be negative to produce negative outcomes, here the picture is not clear but negligence can be associated.