2805NRS: Legal & Ethical Principles in Healthcare- Nursing Case Study- Ross Marine Engineer- Essay Writing Assignment

Internal Code:  MAS7711

Essay Writing Assignment:

Task: You are required to write a 2000 word essay. In your essay, you must identify and discuss the legal and ethical issues presented in the case study, and accurately answer the questions posed at the end. You are expected to submit your essay with appropriate grammar, spelling, sentences, paragraphs and references. It should be structured using the following ‘APA Level 2’ headings: 1. Introduction 2. Legal Issues 3. Ethical Issues 4. Conclusion Case Study Scenario Ross is 52 year-old-man who is employed as a marine engineer. Ross has been married to Rachel for 16 years. They have two daughters, and live in Bundaberg. Ross’ elderly father, Joey, also lives in the family home. The ship operates between Bundaberg and Asia, with the round trip taking 32 days. Having worked together on the ship for years, Ross had developed a close friendship with the ship’s captain, Chandler. The ship set off from Bundaberg, planning to stop at Rockhampton and Cairns before sailing on to its final destination. During a period of particularly rough seas, Ross slipped on the slippery deck, landing heavily on his back. He was pleased that no-one was there to notice, and quickly got up and continued working. Two days later the ship berthed at the Port of Rockhampton. At that time Ross complained of a severe headache, neck pain and generally feeling unwell. He attended the local medical centre where he was diagnosed as having a musculo-skeletal injury and advised to rest. He was provided with a prescription for oxycodone, a narcotic, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for his symptoms. The ship then departed for Cairns, arriving three days later. By this time, Ross’ condition had deteriorated and Chandler decided that he should be reviewed again before they set off on the longest leg of their journey to Asia. Ross did not want to be a burden, and despite the ongoing pain, said he would stay on the ship while it was in port. Unconvinced, Chandler radioed the Cairns Port Communication Tower requesting an ambulance to transport Ross to the Cairns Base Hospital for further assessment. When Chandler told Ross that the ambulance was on its way, Ross was very annoyed. Keen to show that he did not require any additional medical treatment Ross took four oxycodone tablets, and four anti-inflammatories. He thought that this would help the pain, and convince Chandler and the paramedics that no further treatment was required. However, when the paramedics arrived,  Chandler ordered Ross to go to the hospital for further investigation. On visual inspection, it was apparent to the paramedics that Ross needed further assessment and possible treatment as he was pale and sweaty, and quite unsteady in his gait.