Read the following scenario carefully and provide an analysis of the case by answering the questions that follow.

Scenario

Emily White, fourteen years old, presents to the Emergency Department via ambulance after falling down some stairs at the local shopping centre. Emily has an obvious deformity to her left arm that requires surgery.

Angela, the Registered Nurse is preparing Emily for surgery and assists her to change into a hospital gown. During this time, Emily asks Angela for an emergency contraceptive pill. Emily informs Angela that she has previously taken EllaOne and apart from feeling nauseas, did not have any other side effects.

Emily becomes upset and confides in Angela that she has a boyfriend who her parents do not approve of. It becomes apparent to Angela that Emily skipped school to meet her boyfriend at the shopping centre. Emily then asks Angela not to tell her mother where she was or how she broke her arm.

After discussing the situation with the Doctor, Emily is prescribed Ulipristal Acetate 30mg stat, also known as EllaOne. As Angela administers the pill to Emily, Mrs White arrives at the bedside and asks Angela “What is this medicine for?”

Case Study Questions

Having read the scenario on page 1, please answer the following questions:

Clearly define the problem – Objectively note the ethical issue that the nurse (Angela) must address in responding to Mrs White.

Examine the ethical and legal principles that apply to the case study

Identify 2 options available to Angela in addressing the ethical problem identified in question 1 as they apply to the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code of Ethics for Nurses (2012)

Reflect on the options identified in question 3 and present a rationale as to which ONE of the options you would follow if you were in Angela’s position.