NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment – Step-by-Step Guide
The first step before starting to write the NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment: Ethical and Legal Implications of Prescribing Drugs, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment
The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility.
Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment
The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.
How to Write the Body for NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment
The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.
How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment
In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:
The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.
How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment
When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.
How to Format the Reference List for NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment
The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded, in sentence sentence care. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication.
Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:
References
Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456
Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.
An Example NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment Follows:
Ethical and Legal Implications of Prescribing Drugs
Nurses with prescribing authority must maintain current professional, legal, and ethical standards. According to Hanson and Haddad (2022), it is crucial to be aware of state regulations that may impact drug prescriptions and to consider their potential effects on patient treatment plans. The case under review is that of AC, a 72-year-old man admitted to the ICU following a severe stroke. It presents intricate ethical and legal issues for the advanced practice nurse responsible for prescribing medications. This paper will explore the ethical and legal impacts on different involved parties, approaches to disclosing or withholding information while considering state regulations, decision-making tactics for the APN, and methods for writing prescriptions to reduce medication errors.
Ethical and Legal Implications
The AC scenario has complex ethical and legal implications for different stakeholders. The patient’s spouse highlights the moral precept of respecting autonomy by saying that her husband would not want to be in a vegetative state. The issue of whether it is morally acceptable to keep a patient receiving life-sustaining care when they cannot express their desires then comes up (Taleghani et al., 2023; Moore, 2020). The principle of non-maleficence, which emphasizes the duty to do no harm, exacerbates this dilemma (Liu et al., 2022). Maintaining life-sustaining care could be viewed as subjecting the patient to unnecessary pain, undermining the healthcare professionals’ commitment to do no harm. Liu et al. (2022) further reiterate that given the principle of beneficence, which requires acting in the patient’s best interest, the uncertain advantages of prolonging life-sustaining care introduce further ethical intricacy. Therefore, the patient’s lack of response and grim outlook give rise to uncertainties regarding the potential benefits of continued intervention.
The inability of the patient to give informed consent raises the question of whether the wife or daughter can serve as a surrogate decision-maker from a legal standpoint. This aligns with the legal standard for informed consent. The state of Minnesota upholds patients’ rights to reject treatment and make choices about their care and to have (Colón & Wladkowski, 2019). However, when a patient or resident cannot understand the circumstances but has not been declared incompetent, legal restrictions limit the right to refuse treatment (Minnesota Legislation, 2023). Physicians and advanced practice registered nurses must document conditions and circumstances. Suppose a patient is unconscious or in a coma. In that case, the facility should enable the involvement of family members in treatment planning unless there is knowledge or reason to believe that the patient has an advance directive indicating otherwise or has explicitly expressed in writing that they do not wish for a family member to be included in their treatment planning.
Strategies for Disclosure and Nondisclosure
The patient’s wife and daughter disagree with the patient’s desires. The APN should prioritize transparent communication with the family, providing information about the patient’s condition, outlook, and treatment options. In considering disclosure of information, the APN must carefully evaluate potential advantages and disadvantages. As Waller et al. (2020) note, sharing details about the patient’s prognosis can enable the family to make well-informed choices regarding his care, empowering them during a difficult time. Additionally, honest and open communication may help promote emotional healing within the family as they prepare for their loved one’s eventual passing. However, it is essential to consider the potential risks of disclosing the prognosis. Sharing this information could lead to distress and anxiety within family dynamics, possibly escalating conflicts between the patient’s wife and daughter.
On the contrary, choosing nondisclosure also has advantages and disadvantages. Keeping information private could protect the family from immediate distress, preserve their emotional well-being, and potentially avoid conflicts (Waller et al., 2020). It recognizes the delicate balance between providing details and safeguarding the family’s emotions. However, withholding information carries significant risks as it might deny the family crucial details for informed patient care decisions. Moreover, hiding details may result in later regrets and guilt, making the grieving process more complex. The APN must carefully consider disclosure and nondisclosure based on specific aspects of family dynamics, patient preferences, and legal considerations in Minnesota.
Decision-Making Strategies
The advanced practice nurse (APN) would rely on various decision-making strategies to negotiate the intricate AC situation. According to Grace (2022), the APN should actively participate in collaborative decision-making by seeking input from another healthcare practitioner. Obtaining input from a physician, another advanced practice nurse or an ethicist can provide helpful insights and various ideas. This technique guarantees a thorough comprehension of the situation and enables a collaborative method for decision-making. Collaborative consulting ensures ethical norms while prioritizing the patient’s and their family’s well-being.
The APN emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the patient’s well-being, respecting diverse family perspectives, and seeking expert guidance to navigate complex ethical and legal matters. These approaches demonstrate a dedication to thorough, ethical decision-making that prioritizes the patient’s best interests (Grace, 2022). Additionally, APNS needs to seek ethical consultation when faced with uncertainty by involving an ethics committee or consultant to ensure decisions align with established principles and guidelines in situations where conflicting values are at play. This structured approach addresses moral uncertainties and maintains ethical integrity in decision-making.
Process of Writing Prescriptions
The advanced practice nurse (APN) writes prescriptions meticulously and prioritizes patient safety and error prevention. The APN begins by carefully confirming the patient’s name, date of birth, and medical record number (Vaismoradi et al., 2020). This helps to guarantee that the prescription is sent to the correct person and reduces the possibility of an administration error. Prescription writing accuracy by the APN is emphasized by the importance of accurately and legibly transcribing the medicine name to prevent medication confusion.
Adhering to state-specific laws governing prescription practices is a fundamental aspect of the APN’s approach, ensuring legal compliance and upholding the highest standards of care. Working cooperatively with pharmacists improves the precision of prescription orders and creates a two-way dialogue to resolve any possible problems quickly (Vaismoradi et al., 2020). The procedure is further streamlined by using electronic prescribing systems, promoting uniform, unambiguous documentation, and reducing the possibility of handwriting errors. Adopting this thorough and systematic prescription-writing approach, the APN lays the groundwork for improved patient safety, legal compliance, and decreased errors in critical care settings.
Conclusion
Nurses with prescribing authority must adhere to current professional, legal, and ethical standards, as exemplified in the case of AC, a 72-year-old ICU patient who suffered a severe stroke. The intricate ethical and legal consequences, such as respecting autonomy, preventing harm, and acting in the patient’s best interests, highlight the complexities of advanced practice nursing in medication prescription. Minnesota law emphasizes the delicate balance between informed consent and end-of-life care. Transparent communication while respecting familial dynamics is required for disclosure and nondisclosure strategies, and decision-making strategies for the advanced practice nurse include collaborative consultation and ethical guidance. The writing of prescriptions is described as a careful method that includes verification, teamwork, and electronic tools to improve precision and reduce errors in pharmaceutical administration. Overall, these concerns emphasize the critical role of advanced practice nurses in providing patient-centered, ethical, and legally compliant care in complex healthcare circumstances.
NURS 6521 Week 1 Assignment References
Colón, Y., & Wladkowski, S. P. (2019). End‐of‐Life care. Handbook of Health Social Work, 569–586. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119420743.ch23
Taleghani, F., Dehbozorgi, R., Babashahi, M., Monemian, S., & Masoumi, M. (2023). Analysis of the concept of nurses’ autonomy in intensive care units: A hybrid model. Investigación Y Educación En Enfermería, 41(2). https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iee.v41n2e17
Grace, P. J. (2022). Nursing ethics and professional responsibility in advanced practice. In Google Books. Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3ep5EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA426&dq=The+APN+should+actively+participate+in+collaborative+decision-making+by+seeking+input+from+another+healthcare+practitioner.+++Obtaining+input+from+a+physician
Hanson, A., & Haddad, L. M. (2022, September 5). Nursing rights of medication administration. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560654/
Liu, Y., Wang, X., Wang, Z., Zhang, Y., & Jin, J. (2022). Ethical conflict in nursing: A concept analysis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(15-16). https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16563
Moore, E. (2020). Respecting an autonomous decision to refuse life-saving treatment: A case study. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12(8), 304–309. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.8.304
Vaismoradi, M., Tella, S., A. Logan, P., Khakurel, J., & Vizcaya-Moreno, F. (2020). Nurses’ adherence to patient safety principles: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062028
Waller, A., Hobden, B., Bryant, J., Shepherd, J., Turon, H., & Sanson-Fisher, R. (2020). Nurses’ perceptions of open disclosure processes in cancer care: a cross-sectional study. Collegian, 27(5), 506–511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2020.02.001
Now that you understand the ethical and legal implications of prescribing, let’s explore pharmacology for cardiovascular disorders outlined in week 2 assignment of NURS 6521.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When approaching a 500-word essay, it’s essential to understand the nuances of this compact form of writing. These frequently asked questions will guide you through the process of crafting a concise and impactful essay.
How many pages is a 500-word essay typically?
A 500-word essay usually spans about one page if single-spaced or two pages when double-spaced, with standard margins and a 12-point font size.
Can you provide examples of a well-structured 500-word essay?
Certainly, to see the structure and flow of a well-written essay, you might want to take a look at a student’s writing guide that provides insights and examples.
Are there specific formatting guidelines for a 500-word essay?
Formatting guidelines typically involve using a legible font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, with double-spacing and one-inch margins on all sides. Check any specific requirements your instructor might have provided.
What are some effective strategies for writing a personal essay of 500 words?
For a personal essay, focus on a singular event or characteristic, ensuring your ideas are clear and you reflect on the significance of the subject matter. Use concise language and powerful imagery to maximize impact.
What topics are suitable for a concise 500-word essay?
Choose topics you can thoroughly address within the word limit, such as a personal anecdote, a critical analysis of a poem, or a focused argument on a singular point or issue.
How much time should you allocate to write a 500-word essay effectively?
Depending on your familiarity with the topic and writing proficiency, allocate anywhere from one to several hours for planning, drafting, and revising to ensure a well-presented essay.
