Nursing

Discussion Reply To Martha.

  Additionally, you are expected to reply to two other students and include a reference that justifies your post.  Your reply must be at least 3 paragraphs. 

the following answer is the post to another student that I have to reply to. 

Question 1

            I am a doctors nurse at a local clinic where I meet Alex who, while the M.D. examining his genitalia and me as the providers assistant nurse, informs us that he is HIV positive. I counsel Alex to inform his sex partner Ann so that she can also get to know her HIV status. Twelve months later, Ann is expecting a baby in three months.

            Clearly, Alex is yet to inform Ann of his status yet steps needed to be taken to know the status of Ann and the unborn baby so that necessary treatment can commence. Alex threatens that if his status is disclosed to Ann without his consent, he would stop coming for treatment. I found myself in a dilemma on whether to inform Ann of Alex status or hid to Alex words.

            To utilize critical thinking, I ought to refer to paragraph 53 of the GMC guidelines on confidentiality. The principle explains that disclosure of confidential information is justified when the failure to do so exposes a third party to risk of death or serious harm (Dolan, 2004).

Question 2

            Patients can avoid medical errors to ensure their safety taking their medication as prescribed, communicating effectively with their caregivers and clinicians and lowering infection rates. Patients must also keep the health care team involved and learning more about their conditions (Keohane & Bates, 2008).

            Family caregivers need to have adequate training on how to handle the patient and ensure adequate communication between the patient and the clinician to ensure patient safety. The family should also ensure that the patient is free from household hazards. Clinicians can promote safety and reduce errors by adhering to procedures, listening to patients and effectively communicating with the health care team (Keohane & Bates, 2008).

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            The healthcare team should embrace teamwork to eliminate issues of burnouts that may lead to medical errors. The team should also work together to solve problems that may lead to medical errors. The system can improve communication skills among members of staff in the facility, develop team strategies and develop safety culture in the hospital setting to ensure safety and reduce errors.

Question 3

            Patient involvement is a core factor in creating the culture of safety. Clinicians must involve patients in decisions pertaining to their treatment and discharge plans (Clancy, Farquhar & Sharp, 2005). Such practices allow patients know much about their care to avoid misunderstanding.

            Teamwork also creates a culture of safety. The skills generated in interprofessional communication encourage safety culture. Teamwork is critical during transitions in care.

            Access to accurate information is another factor that creates a culture of safety. Access patient records, evidence-based-practice protocol and lab reports enhance the culture of safety in health care. The formation required must be accurate and received in good time.

References

Clancy, C. M., Farquhar, M. B., & Sharp, B. A. C. (2005). Patient safety in nursing           practice. Journal of Nursing Care Quality20(3), 193-197.

Dolan, B. (2004). Medical records: Disclosing confidential clinical information. Psychiatric             Bulletin28(2), 53-56.

Keohane, C. A., & Bates, D. W. (2008). Medication safety. Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America35(1), 37-52.