Question

Ethics in Action Juan is a Registered Nurse at a large hospital. One day, at the end of his shift, he treats a patient, Sally, who has been in a bike accident. As Juan starts her IV, Sally tells him the story of how the accident happened. As she tells the story, a doctor enters the room and tells Juan which antibiotics to run through the patient's IV. The doctor leaves and immediately Sally's family members arrive and insist that Sally is just fine and is "faking" her injuries. Juan walks out of the room and is approached by the nurse working after him. She asks Juan what she needs to know about Sally in order to treat her, but Juan finds that he is unable to remember anything specific about what he heard. Why might Juan be unable to remember? What kinds of listening strategies should Juan have used to understand Sally, the doctor, and Sally's family?

Answer 1

1. Why might Juan be unable to remember?

As it was his end of shift and he gave his major concentration in completing his duties he didn't give attention to Sally's story. Again the physician entered in between and tells regarding the IV antibiotics to be administered.

2. Listening strategies

A) To Sally

He should have been an active listener by maintaining eye contact, proper posture and even with appropriate gestures to ensure effective communication. He should clarify the events explained and note down the important points discussed.

B) To Doctor

As the doctor tells regarding the antibiotics to be administered, Juan can confirm with doctor that he has already started the same with the help of prescription and records that he has with him at the time of administration.

C) To Sally's family

Being non judgemental is the strategy to be used here. Sally is the patient and on IV antibiotics hence injuries will not be fake as it had already been assessed by a doctor. Patient care is the prime responsibility and support the family by clarifying their concerns.