RUA Ethical Dilemma: Treating a Septic Newborn with Herbal Therapy

Amanda Basalaj NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Chamberlain College of Nursing January 2019 Professor Hogan

---

1. Introduction

• Topic Overview:
  • Discuss the topic of neonatal sepsis, defining it as a life-threatening condition where the body has a systemic response to infection, often bacterial in nature.
  • Emphasize the importance of rapid treatment with antimicrobial therapy and supportive care to prevent complications like pneumonia, meningitis, and death.
• Ethical Dilemma:
  • Introduce the ethical dilemma of a mother choosing to treat her septic newborn with herbal therapy instead of conventional pharmaceutical treatments.
  • Outline the controversy surrounding this choice, particularly in terms of the nurse’s role in advocating for the newborn’s health.

---

2. Understanding Neonatal Sepsis

• Definition and Pathophysiology:
  • Provide a detailed explanation of neonatal sepsis, including causes, common pathogens, and how the condition progresses.
• Standard Treatment Protocol:
  • Discuss the conventional treatment approach for neonatal sepsis, which typically includes the use of antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and intensive monitoring.
• Consequences of Untreated Sepsis:
  • Highlight the severe outcomes if sepsis is not promptly treated, including organ dysfunction, septic shock, and potential mortality.

---

3. Herbal Therapy as an Alternative Treatment

• Emergence of Herbal Therapies:
  • Discuss the growing interest in alternative treatments, including herbal therapies, for sepsis.
• Arguments in Favor:
  • Present the potential benefits as seen by supporters, such as fewer side effects compared to antibiotics and a more natural approach to treatment.
  • Discuss the reasoning behind some mothers choosing herbal therapy for their newborns.

---

4. Ethical Considerations

• Ethical Principles in Nursing:
  • Beneficence: The obligation to do good and ensure the best outcomes for the patient.
  • Nonmaleficence: The duty to do no harm, which is crucial when considering the risks of untreated sepsis.
  • Autonomy: Respecting the mother’s decision-making rights, while also considering the newborn’s best interests.
  • Justice: Ensuring fairness in the delivery of care, including access to proven and effective treatments.
  • Fidelity: Staying true to professional responsibilities and commitments to patient care.
• Balancing Ethical Principles:
  • Explore the challenge of balancing the respect for the mother’s autonomy with the need to ensure the best medical outcomes for the newborn.
  • Discuss the potential conflict between nonmaleficence and autonomy when a mother chooses herbal therapy over conventional treatment.

---

5. Pros and Cons of Herbal Therapy vs. Pharmaceutical Therapy

• Pros of Herbal Therapy:
  • Gentler on the newborn’s system with potentially fewer side effects.
  • Aligns with the mother’s personal or cultural beliefs about health and treatment.
• Cons of Herbal Therapy:
  • Lack of robust clinical evidence to support its efficacy in treating sepsis.
  • Higher risk of severe complications, including septic shock and death, due to delayed or inadequate treatment.
• Pros of Pharmaceutical Therapy:
  • Proven effectiveness in treating neonatal sepsis.
  • Established protocols and dosages ensure a high standard of care.
• Cons of Pharmaceutical Therapy:
  • Potential for side effects from strong antibiotics.
  • The risk of antibiotic resistance with prolonged use.

---

6. Conclusion

• Summary of the Ethical Dilemma:
  • Recap the main points regarding the use of herbal therapy versus conventional treatment for neonatal sepsis.
• Nursing Implications:
  • Emphasize the nurse’s role in navigating ethical dilemmas, including providing education to the family, advocating for the newborn’s health, and adhering to professional ethical standards.
• Final Thoughts:
  • Reflect on the importance of evidence-based practice in ensuring the best outcomes for vulnerable populations, such as newborns with sepsis.