1. There is a shortage of flu vaccine this year in the United States. The CDC has recommended that only children, pregnant women, and adults over 65 be vaccinated. There is uncertainty whether more vaccine will become available. The nurse practitioner in the clinic feels that she is at risk because of her patient care duties. What are the ethical issues with giving herself the flu shot? What are the issues of biomedical ethics (autonomy, beneficience, non-maleficence, justice) involved with this decision? How could the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) use one of the models or theories of ethics to make the decision? Any legal issues? Any cultural/ethnic issues related to this scenario (beliefs about immunizations, medical care etc)?
2. An 87 African-American year old man has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. He lives alone and has no impairment of cognitive function. He has told you, his advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), that he does not desire any more chemotherapy or radiation treatments. He wants to be kept comfortable. His 2 adult children have scheduled a meeting with you because they want everything possible done to prolong his life. What do you tell them? What are the issues of biomedical ethics (autonomy, beneficience, non-maleficence, justice) involved with this case? How could the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) use one of the models or theories to handle this situation? Any legal issues? What are the possible cultural/ethnic issues that may be involved with this scenario? How do you respond in a culturally sensitive manner?