Dilemmas in the Intensive Care Unit - Case Study Example

As Littleton, and Engebretson (2005) observe, a young teenager who has received no childbirth preparation will need more teaching than other;  it is also said that the woman in labor is of central importance; not the nurse, doctor or nurse-midwife (p. 506). So, the first step will be easing the tension of Rachel and providing support. For this purpose, the service of chaplain will be utilized. A chaplain will be summoned quickly to handle the fear and stress of Rachel. The second step will be to make the parents understand the seriousness of the situation.

They will be advised on the importance to have a proper medical intervention as there is fetal distress. Even if they do not provide consent, considering the seriousness of the situation, the doctor on duty will be informed of the situation. As the situation is gradually getting critical, it becomes necessary to ensure the availability of staff in case of an emergency. Considering the fact that the doctor on duty is attending another emergency case, necessary steps will be taken to ensure the presence of staff to handle the situation to avoid risk.

It is possible that the doctor on duty has got busy on another emergency that might take a long time. In addition, Rachel’s situation is getting critical.  In the second case, the ethical issue is whether to allow Yves to enter the ICU to visit Alain Trottier. As Molter (2007) observes, nurses should have the skill to model interaction between the patient and family; and, continuing rigid restrictive visiting practices when it is certain that it is not beneficial is an ethical question in concern (p. 70). In the case of Alain Trottier, it is evident that Yves, his domestic partner, was along with him in the ER and is still in the hospital.

In addition, the patient has been unconscious for a day and still, there is no change in the situation and no diagnosis had been made. In addition, hospital policy allows domestic partners to be treated as married couples. In addition, as per the policy, it is Yves who is responsible to make decisions for the patient. Carter and Lopert  (2005, p.94) say that if possible, staff should allow some flexibility in visiting schedules and should keep family and friends apprised of the patient’s support needs.