Why do people seek for truth? Is it because it
could be a solution to a problem? Or could it be a new-found knowledge to
scientific discovery? Or is it the answer to an intriguing mystery? We search
for truth to make a sense of what exists around us. Sometimes, the searching
may take some time or may lead into unexpected surprises. No matter what
measures are to be taken in the search, it will always come out as a work in
progress.
How do we deal with truth in
caring for people? In a hospital setting, we encounter patients who are also seeking
for truth about their illness. And so, there is need to handle the giving of
truth of their condition and prognosis in a tactful way as to result into a
positive acceptance by the patient on his ailment. While the act of such needs
skillful maturity and wisdom, this can only be achieved through much experience
for the nurses. Patients have a right to
be informed properly on the medical procedures, administration of medications,
and other pertinent matters that are related to the recovery of their health.
Denying them the truth or giving them half-truths on what are being applied on
them may be detrimental to the wholesome understanding of each patient on his
illness. It is therefore the job of any healthcare provider to let them
understand their health condition as best as possible.
In some instances, truth is kept at
bay. When the situation is critical and the patient is in extreme pain and has
delusional problems, sometimes it is best that the truth of his illness be left
to the doctor. On the other hand, when patients hide the truth of what they are
feeling or do not fully inform on what medications they have taken in, the
outcome of the doctor’s prognosis may not be helpful in the detection of what’s
really ailing them. People find it difficult to tell the truth because maybe
they are afraid or fearful of the truth. They can’t accept the reality or are
unprepared to face the truth.
The essence of truth in the
health status of a patient aids doctors in the decision making process. It is
the basis for interpreting the manner of dealing with the patient’s ailment.
One particular situation is when a
physician instructs a nurse to give a terminally ill patient a very large dose
of narcotic. The nurse must decide whether she will tell or conceal the truth. Anything
that corresponds to truthfulness will always lead to a decision.
Truth is what it is. Accepting it with a positive attitude
relieves us of much anxiety and stress no matter how critical is our health
condition.
TRUTH can also be detrimental to some patients. This may cause them to degrade emotionally, psychologically and even physically. The problem really would point out as to how the truth is being delivered.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I believe some truth may as well be hidden for the benefit of the patient. Evaluation as to whether the patient can accept the truth about his condition may also be essential as to how you are going to tell him this. I would strongly agree with what you said about letting them understand their health condition as best as possible. By this, you are keeping some kind of a "shock" response from the patient prevented. :)
Patients have the right to hear the truth at all times and at whatever circumstances. But sometimes rights have to be "slightly abused" for a greater benefit. Before anything else, to save a life weighs heavier than to protect a person's right.
ReplyDeletesome truths are better kept, and some are best told. in the end, you provide the truth or keep it for the greater good.
ReplyDeleteon the intro question: people seek the truth for them to be free.haha
The extent of its effects would greatly depend on how the nurse presented the facts. Therefore, it is a challenge for all of us as future nurses to hasten our skills in delivering the truth in a way that would be quite easier for our clients to accept.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it really is hard when we come to a point that we have to tell our patients the truth about their sickness, it really does pay to practice honesty. we should not let ourselves become the hindrance that our patients cannot experience the way he wants to experience life because we let our emotions took over our responsibility.
ReplyDelete