The issue/ problem
The case concerns Mr. A. His medical condition relates to terminal cancer that is affecting his lower spine and pelvic bones. The problem with his condition is the complexity of the situation. The patient has decubitus ulcers since the skin around his pelvic bones has developed bed sore and pressure sore. At one point, nurses do not know whether to keep on turning him to avoid any further skin breakdown while other nurses insist that he has to remain in the present position to stop causing pain to the patient. Also, it is critical since Mr. A has a poor nutritional condition. He is unable to cough frequently since his lower lobes have developed atelectasis (Case Study).
Why is this issue
Ulcers of any kind are fatal. The patient often feels a lot of pain. The patient requires prompt medical attention. However, the case of Mr. A is complex based on various developments concerning his condition. The range of problems has created a major issue. Since there is, the need to ensure that pain is maintained, a diagnosis was given, and prevention of any further damage be sustained. According to The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), there are various stages of bedsores on the development of the condition (Copley, n.d.). Notably, if a wound is seen, it has to be treated immediately. This will ensure no internal tissue is injured. However, some conditions may become unstageable. When the surface is covered with brown, yellow, death or black tissues, it will be difficult to determine the depth of the wound. For the case of Mr. A, the skin is discolored but not broken. The condition can be treated since its stage has been determined.
Further, Mr. A condition requires keen observation considering his spinal code is overworked. The nervous system controls all the senses and functioning of the body. Any interference causes extreme complications. Central Nervous System (CNS) coordinates the operation of the spinal cord and the brain. The damage of spinal code is contagious. It is because the only position he can contain is a supine position. This means he has to lie on his back creating more damage to the skin and his spinal cord.
Values involved
The values in the case involve nutritional values, habitual truthfulness (veracity), benevolence and love. The values are concerned on the need to ensure that the patient receives the ideal medical care. The complication of Mr. A health requires keen observation and proper handling. It is essential to ensure wide consultation is done. Nutritional values are paramount since the patient state of health indicates that he cannot move his body parts. He has to be assisted. For example, nurses recommended that he should be changed to a different position after every 2 hours. Further, his case indicates that he has a problem in coughing up secretions. The developed atelectasis prevents him from coughing up secretions. The increased surface tightness causes skin breakage. Similarly, it is related to his poor nutrition. A proper diet should be in place. With assistance from the nurses, Mr. A requires a blend of nutritious food to give him energy and develop his body organs to function properly.
Values in Conflict
The case study is a complicated matter. The complicating values concern the need for proper consultation and choosing ideal solution. Benevolence is the desire to help others. Often it is done towards related creatures. Nurses on the need to help the patient to avoid further pain on the patient depict the act of good will. It contravenes the option the other nurses chose by changing the patient position after every 2 hours. This is an act of empathy. The nurses are aware that the patient is undergoing extreme pain hence they recommend stoppage of changing the patient regularly. The value is in conflict with veracity value. The value prime purpose is to tell the habitual truth. It is fatal to let the patient stay in one position. This will help in the prevention of skin breakdown. Further, it will contribute to reducing respiratory distress Mr. A is experiencing. If the action is not done, then the patient will die in haste (Choi, 2010).
Solutions, recommendations and rational
References
Choi, A. M. (2010). Acute respiratory distress syndrome. New York: Informa Healthcare USA.
Copley, S. J. (n.d.). Lower lobes-Rounded atelectasis. Radiology Intelligent Assistant. doi:10.5832/m624-1-376-0
