Reference no: EM133884735
Consider the following case:
Vickie Simpson, the pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) in an ambulatory health clinic, called 15-year-old Melinda into her office. Melinda had been referred to the PNP by the fracture clinic. At her 6-month checkup for a complex ankle fracture, it was discovered that Melinda's hemoglobin was below normal. Because her fracture had healed without complications and would require no further follow-up, the fracture clinic nurse referred Melinda and her mother to Ms. Simpson for low hemoglobin and nutritional counseling evaluation.
During the nutrition-counseling session, Melinda confided to Ms. Simpson that she was six weeks pregnant. She also told Ms. Simpson that she was scheduled to have an abortion the following week and did not want her mother to know. At the session's close, Ms. Simpson invited Melinda's mother into her office to explain the diet and follow-up planned for the low hemoglobin. Melinda's mother expressed concern about her daughter-she seemed so tired lately, has had nausea, has not been eating well, and so on. Did her daughter's low hemoglobin cause these symptoms?
Ms. Simpson is concerned about Melinda. She is convinced that Melinda should not be facing her abortion alone. She believes that Melinda's mother would be understanding and that Melinda would be much better off if her mother were told about her real problem, but she is also committed to confidentiality. She is also concerned about Melinda's risky sexual behavior and thinks that parental involvement is vital for preventing similarly irresponsible acts in the future. They live in a state that does not require parental notification for a minor's abortion, so Ms. Simpson fears that Melinda's mother will never be told.
Ethically, should Ms. Simpson tell Melinda's mother about her pregnancy? Why or why not?
In general, how should Ms. Simpson handle this situation, and why? In arguing for your position on this case, be sure to discuss both the pros (arguments for) and cons (arguments against) of telling Melinda's mother about her pregnancy.