Context of Nursing

The focus of this assignment will be on a case scenario of an elderly patient who has been admitted into hospital. The nurse’s professional responsibilities in relation to safeguarding vulnerable patients will be identified and explored as will the roles and responsibilities of the nurse in promoting and maintain rights and autonomy.   Confidentiality, consent, accountability and advocacy will be discussed and linked to the scenario given. A number of issues will also be identified and discussed including what is used to assess patients, abuse, how to build relationships with the patients and NMC codes of conduct. References will be included throughout to help understand issues concerned in patients care.

The professional responsibilities of a nurse starts and ends with the patient in their care,   according to Flectcher L, Buka P (1999) they describe that the very word caring implies while the patient is in a hospital or residential care setting then they should be safe and come to no harm. The NMC (2009, pg 14), state that “It is every adult’s right to be free from fear and live in safety”. NMC (Nursing Midwifery Council) is the regulatory body for nurses and midwives, they set standards and guidelines to ensure the health and wellbeing of the public is maintained at a high standard to offer the best possible care. The scenario is of a patient who goes by the name of Archie has been admitted in hospital with a fall. He has a past history of stroke two years ago and has become increasingly confused; this is the second admission relating to falls. Archie’s son has stated that he feels his father is now unsafe to go back home to independent living as he lives in sheltered accommodation.

There are a number of ways in which a person can be defined as vulnerable; within this scenario www.isa-gove.org.uk defines vulnerable as a person who is 18 years and over who is living alone in sheltered accommodation. As Archie lives alone, has had a stroke, is confused and had...