Nurse's Pocket Guide

• Provide time for nonjudgmental discussion of philosophic
issues/questions about impact of conflict leading to moral
questioning of current situation.
• Identify role models (e.g., other individuals who have experienced
similar problems in their lives). Sharing of experiences,
identifying options can be helpful to deal with current situation.
• Involve facility/local ethics committee or ethicist as appropriate
to educate, make recommendations, and facilitate mediation/resolution
of issues.
NURSING PRIORITY NO.3.To promote wellness (Teaching/Discharge
Considerations):
• Engage all parties, as appropriate, in developing plan to
address conflict. Resolving one’s moral distress requires
making changes or compromises while preserving one’s
integrity and authenticity.
• Incorporate identified familial, religious, and cultural factors
that have meaning for client.
• Refer to appropriate resources for support/guidance (e.g.,
pastoral care, counseling, organized support groups, classes),
as indicated.
• Assist individuals to recognize that if they follow their moral
decisions, they may clash with the legal system and refer to
appropriate resource for legal opinion/options.
Documentation Focus
ASSESSMENT/REASSESSMENT
• Individual findings, including nature of moral conflict, individuals
involved in conflict.
• Physical/emotional responses to conflict.
• Individual cultural/religious beliefs and values, healthcare
goals.
• Responses/involvement of family/SOs.
PLANNING
• Plan of care and who is involved in planning.
• Teaching plan.
IMPLEMENTATION/EVALUATION
• Responses to interventions/teaching.
• Attainment/progress toward desired outcome(s).
• Modifications to plan of care.
Information in brackets added by the authors to clarify and enhance
the use of nursing diagnoses.
Diagnostic Studies Pediatric/Geriatric/Lifespan Medications 269
moral DISTRESS