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Viterbo University School of Nursing

Nursing 349: Pharmacology

Ethics and Professionalism in Medication Administration

Course Outcomes:

· Reflect on values-based decision-making regarding medication administration

· Apply professional aspects of nursing to drug therapy

Scenario:

An 89-year-old individual is a resident of a long-term care facility. The individual developed dementia and was occasionally agitated and combative, refusing to take the prescribed medication. Nurses at the facility responded to the patient’s behavior by hiding the patient’s medication in the food served. Since the practice began, the patient has demonstrated less agitation and is generally calm and cooperative.

Assignment: In essay format, address the following points—Grading will follow the rubric attached to the assignment. Please read carefully for correct content.

What ethical principles are at issue in this scenario? What is your understanding of the identified principles? What is your rationale for applying them to the scenario?
Take a position on whether the nurses’ practice of medication administration is ethical or not. Defend your position with a logical argument.

Rubric for Evaluation (20 points)

Grade*	Ethical Principles	Application to Scenario	Position/defense	Composition
A	Demonstrates breadth in insight of potential ethical principles in scenario. Provides personal definition of ethical principles identified.	Depth of discussion demonstrated in how the ethical principles apply to the scenario. Provides examples from scenario to illustrate rationale for application	Clearly articluates personal position on ethics of scenario. Provides depth of discussion in defense of position supported by ethical principles, logic and argument.	Organized and clear presentation. Transitions smooth. Professional language and terminology. Absence of Grammar, spelling errors. Uses APA format correctly
b	Provides moderate level of insight into ethical issues within scenario. Definitions superficial and lacking personal interpretation	Some discussion of the application of ethical principles to the scenario. Some examples provided	Personal position presented with moderate depth of support. Support unorganized and lacking in logic and defensibility	Some spelling or grammar errors. Organization unclear or lacking transitions. Mostly correct word choices. APA errors present
C	Minimal insight into ethical principles. Missing or minimal definitions	Lack of rationale for selection of ethical principles-no examples provided to illustrate thinking	Unclear position on medication administration practice. Minimal or lacking of support for position. Minimal logical thinking demonstrated	Organization difficult to follow. Many incorrect word forms, word choices. Frequent errors in grammar and spelling. Needs help from learning center

*Point values may reflect interval between numbers when applicable