Reference no: EM133867638
Andy is a nurse caring for a 14-year-old girl, Amanda, admitted with a large tumor located in the left groin area. During an assessment, Amanda shares with Andy her personal feelings. She tells Andy that she feels "different" from her other friends. She is ashamed of her physical development because all her girlfriends have "breasts" and boyfriends. She is very flat-chested and embarrassed. Andy listens attentively to Amanda and helps her focus on some of her positive attributes and talents.
A CT scan is ordered and reveals that the tumor extends to what appears to be the ovary. A gynecological surgeon is called in to evaluate the situation. An ultrasonic- guided biopsy is performed. It is discovered that the tumor is an enlarged lymph node and that the "ovary" is actually a testis. Amanda has both male and female gonads.
When this information is given to Amanda's parents, they do not want her to know. They feel that she was raised as "their daughter." They ask the surgeon to remove the male gonads and leave only the female gonads. That way, "Amanda will never need to know." The surgeon refuses to do it. Andy believes that the parents should discuss the situation with Amanda, as they are denying her choices. The parents are adamant about Amanda not knowing anything. Andy returns to the Amanda's room, and Amanda begins asking all types of questions regarding the tests and the treatments. In answering, Andy hesitates, and Amanda picks up on this, demanding that he tell her the truth.
- How would you respond if you were Andy?
- What are the ethical principles and values that are in conflict here?
- What are some of the long-term effects of Andy's decision?
- What are your legal responsibilities, or obligations if any?
- Do you agree with the surgeon?
- What process can be used to sort through this conflict?
- What is moral distress among care-givers and what can you do to alleviate it
Use college level English and grammar, and write from a professional point of view.