Question

Ethical dilemma: Should a teenager be allow to stop their cancer treatment even if it will result in a bad outcome?

Give three nursing provisions that covers this topic & why (both yes- they should be allow & no, they shouldn’t be allowed).

Answer 1

No. Teenager decision to stop the treatment of cancer is not acceptable. Because American law does not recognize the teenager's decision as to legal until they turned as 18. Only parents decision or interest are considered as vital and strengthen their decision in the treatment process. As the medical team should respect the patient autonomy in choice of treatment, but when it comes to teenagers family decision are taken as a priority during ethical challenges.

Nursing Provision:

• The nursing provision 3 says to protect the right of the patient. So as per this provision Teen age decision to stop the treatment should be allowed for the well being, as it results in a bad outcome.
• The nursing provision 2 the nurse has to give a primary commitment to the family and the group. So the nurse has to give preference to the family decision and continue with the treatment.
• The nursing provision 4, the nurse has the responsibility and accountability to make a decision and promote optimal health. The nurse has to provide treatment at an optimum level to maximize the benefit of the patient. The treatment should be continued as it can provide some benefit to the patient rather than simply stopping of treatment.