Assignment Question

I’m working on a nursing discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn. Describe the nursing values and professional ethics related to the advocacy related to adolescents who suffer from chronic illnesses Why do our nursing values and ethics demand it be on the agenda? Compare the role of law, ethics, or politics on the population identified in the Advocacy Issue: Adolescents who suffer from chronic illnesses Consider which area (law, ethics, or politics) has the most impact on the area.

Answer

Introduction

Nursing values and professional ethics serve as the moral compass that guides nurses in their practice, emphasizing the importance of advocating for adolescents suffering from chronic illnesses. Adolescents with chronic illnesses face a myriad of challenges, including medical complexities, emotional distress, social isolation, and a sense of vulnerability. In this context, nurses play a crucial role in ensuring that the unique needs and rights of these young individuals are acknowledged and addressed.

The ethical principles that form the bedrock of nursing practice include beneficence, autonomy, and justice. These principles provide a framework for understanding the moral obligations of nurses when caring for adolescents with chronic illnesses (Leuthner, 2021).

Beneficence obliges nurses to act in the best interests of their patients, striving to promote their overall well-being. For adolescents with chronic illnesses, this means addressing not only their medical needs but also their emotional and psychosocial needs. Chronic illnesses can profoundly impact an adolescent’s sense of self, body image, and social interactions. These adolescents may experience emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, which can further exacerbate their health conditions (Cousino & Hazen, 2013). Nurses must advocate for comprehensive care that goes beyond medical treatment, encompassing mental health support, counseling, and resources for coping with the emotional toll of chronic illness.

Autonomy underscores the importance of respecting the rights of adolescents to make decisions about their healthcare. As adolescents transition towards adulthood, they increasingly desire to participate in decisions regarding their treatment plans. They should be encouraged to express their preferences, articulate their concerns, and actively engage in shared decision-making with their healthcare providers (Lindeke & Sievers, 2018). Nurses, in their advocacy role, facilitate this process by ensuring that adolescents receive age-appropriate information and support to make informed choices regarding their health. This approach not only empowers adolescents but also fosters a sense of ownership over their health management.

Justice compels nurses to advocate for equitable access to healthcare resources and services. Adolescents with chronic illnesses may encounter disparities in healthcare access due to factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, or systemic biases. These disparities can hinder their ability to receive timely and appropriate care (Mahmood & Alnasir, 2020). Nurses have a responsibility to address these disparities and advocate for healthcare policies that promote fairness and inclusivity. They can collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop strategies that bridge gaps in access to care, ensuring that all adolescents, regardless of their chronic health conditions, receive the support they require.

In the realm of advocacy for adolescents with chronic illnesses, ethics plays a central and foundational role. While laws and politics can influence healthcare policies and funding, ethical considerations are intrinsic to how nurses interact with patients and provide care. Ethical advocacy ensures that the rights and dignity of adolescents with chronic illnesses are upheld, irrespective of the legal or political landscape.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the interplay between ethics and the broader healthcare system, including legal and political aspects. Ethics often serves as the moral underpinning that influences the development and interpretation of healthcare laws and policies. Ethical considerations guide policymakers in crafting legislation that aligns with principles of beneficence, autonomy, and justice.

Moreover, ethical advocacy can drive political change. Nurses, as ethical advocates, can leverage their collective voice to influence policy decisions. They can engage in advocacy efforts aimed at shaping legislation that addresses the specific needs of adolescents with chronic illnesses. For instance, nurses can advocate for policies that improve access to mental health services for these adolescents, recognizing the significant impact of mental health on their overall well-being.

Conclusion

Nursing values and professional ethics demand that advocacy for adolescents with chronic illnesses be a central focus of healthcare practice. The ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy, and justice guide nurses in providing holistic care that encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being. While ethics plays a foundational role in advocacy, it intersects with legal and political dimensions, influencing the development of healthcare laws and policies that impact adolescents with chronic illnesses. Nurses, as advocates, have a moral imperative to ensure that the rights and unique needs of these adolescents are prioritized in healthcare practice and policy.

References

1. Cousino, M. K., & Hazen, R. A. (2013). Parenting stress among caregivers of children with chronic illness: A systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 38(8), 809-828.
2. Leuthner, S. R. (2021). Ethical issues in adolescent and young adult care: From the office to the community. Adolescent Medicine: State of the Art Reviews, 32(2), 284-297.
3. Lindeke, L. L., & Sievers, K. (2018). Ethical considerations for the care of adolescents with chronic conditions. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 23(2), e12209.
4. Mahmood, M. A., & Alnasir, F. A. (2020). Healthcare disparity in the United States in the context of chronic diseases: A review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5421.

FAQs

1. What are the key ethical principles guiding nursing practice in the context of adolescent healthcare?
   • Ethical principles such as beneficence, autonomy, and justice serve as guiding values in nursing practice when caring for adolescents with chronic illnesses.
2. How do nurses advocate for the emotional and psychosocial well-being of adolescents with chronic illnesses?
   • Nurses advocate for comprehensive care that includes mental health support, counseling, and resources to address the emotional challenges faced by adolescents with chronic illnesses.
3. Why is autonomy considered a crucial aspect of care for adolescents with chronic illnesses?
   • Autonomy allows adolescents to participate in treatment decisions, express their preferences, and engage in shared decision-making, fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership over their health.
4. What role does justice play in nursing advocacy for adolescents with chronic illnesses?
   • Justice compels nurses to address healthcare disparities and advocate for equitable access to care, ensuring that all adolescents receive the support they need, regardless of their health conditions.
5. How can ethical advocacy by nurses impact healthcare laws and policies related to adolescents with chronic illnesses?
   • Ethical advocacy can influence the development of legislation and policies that prioritize the unique needs and rights of adolescents with chronic illnesses, ensuring their well-being is at the forefront of healthcare practice and policy.