Discussion 9

One post is written in response to fellow learners’ post and are each between 100-150 words. Responses are substantive insightful and contain at least one reference.

Legal and Ethical Issues on Technology

1. The ethical dilemma involves the FDA-approved vaccine against COVID-19 and its suitability and safety to pregnant women and those attempting to conceive using IVF. The vulnerable persons are obliged to decide whether to take the vaccine that has not been assessed on pregnant women and harm a possible pregnancy or avoid the vaccine regardless of its role. Most pregnant women and those trying to conceive opine that the vaccine's distribution within a short timeframe to them makes it appear as coercion. Their main concern with the newly-developed vaccine was preliminary tests on pregnant and lactating women's possible effect since it could present health complications to the women and their fetuses. The exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from the vaccine trials points to the possibility of adverse effects on expectant mothers and their fetuses.   

2. Addressing the dilemma requires transparency and honesty about the vaccine's unknown side effects on pregnant women and lactating mothers. Transparency in leadership entails upholding honesty when communicating with colleagues and clients. This is important because of the restoration of public confidence in an organization or profession when disclaimers are issued with the appropriate information. Medical ethics dictate that medical practitioners should inform patients regarding the side effects of such interventions to enable them to make decisions based on a thorough comprehension of the available options. The FDA's failure to disclose information concerning possible adverse effects of the vaccine on pregnant and lactating women makes the process ill-motive; hence, a potential loss of confidence. Full disclosure of the information would prompt the concerned women to make informed decisions based on their priority. For instance, it is unfair to put pregnant and lactating women on the verge of risking their babies and developing fetus, which would amount to procedural irregularities. As a DNP-prepared nurse leader, I would educate pregnant women about the vaccine’s possible risks, particularly on the developing fetus. I would also consider implementing a policy restricting the vaccine administration until all the patients are informed about its potential side effects. As a Doctorate of Nursing Practitioner, the highest levels of moral adherence should be observed at all times through recognition of the precious rights of patients.

3. The cultural issues identified from the scenario are lack of honesty and miscommunication from the F.D.A about the possible side effects of the vaccine on pregnant women. Their dishonesty and miscommunication      about the side effects of the vaccine could endanger the lives of pregnant and lactating mothers and their fetuses. Thus, the organization needed to inform and educate the workforce in the nursing profession about the probable risks of the vaccine and how they can handle informing pregnant and lactating mothers. Miscommunication and dishonesty can also happen in the legal profession; lawyers may neglect to provide the court with sufficient evidence that would change the verdict on a case, thus leading to the imprisonment of an innocent person. As a Nursing administrator, I could advocate for transparency by                    implementing policies that will inform other healthcare professionals about the need for honesty and patient education. Being honest and educating pregnant women about the possible risks of the vaccine will              enable them to make informed choices on whether to use the vaccine or risk being infected with covid-19.

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