Question

A nurse who worked at the Baltimore hospital, in the example referred to in the text, decided to tell the firefighters that they had been exposed to AIDS. 1. Do you believe that she did the right thing? Explain your answer. 2. Do you think that breaking the rules of confidentiality was justified in this case? should be fired for her actions? 3. Do you think this nurse 4. Did the nurse commit slander against the woman? S. What might you do in a similar situation? 6. What consequences would you be willing to accept in order to carry out what you believe to be your ethical responsibilities?

Answer 1

1.When there is a massive threat of an infectious disease to the workers who are working there or if exposed to the agent,it is the duty of health care professionals to inform them ,so that effective methods can be taken to prevent it by screening and early identification and treatment. This can reduce the transmission of infectious disease.Fire safety workers should also be aware of the chance of infection and take necessary preventive measures

2.This is justified in these type of cases,it is not only the responsibility to care for a patient but it is equally important to not put others in dangerous situation to save them.It is best to communicate a threat tgan to hide.

3.The nurse can be fired if she is disclosing things for personal benefits or to harm the patient,but it has been done in the interest to save the life's of others from a threat

4.Ethically the nurse has committed slander to the woman by disclosing her most confidential information of life time.