case study
Purpose: The goal of this assignment is to encourage students to think critically about situations that one may face as a professional in the field of substance abuse. This assignment will challenge students to explore personal values, examine ethical decision making, and consider how to utilize a code of ethics to help in decision making.
Instructions: Read the case scenario and determine how you would approach the case utilizing the questions as guide.
Case Scenario: Jennifer is a 25-year-old female, who presents to the emergency department of a local hospital by ambulance. She is currently unresponsive, but she is considered stable. The first responders are uncertain of what occurred or who was responsible for calling 9-1-1. However, they report witnessing drug paraphernalia close to the scene where they discovered Jennifer. As part of her work up, you request a drug test. Per hospital policy, since Jennifer is considered to be in childbearing years, a pregnancy test is also ordered. When the lab results return, they indicate that Jennifer has opiates, alcohol, and nicotine in her system. Lab results also reveal a positive pregnancy test. As such, an ultrasound is performed, which confirms Jennifer is 16-weeks gestation. As the treating practitioner, the decision regarding how to proceed is up to you. However, a colleague recommends that you notify the Department of Child and Families (DCF), in addition to law enforcement, because Jennifer’s behaviors are posing a risk to her pregnancy.
- What are your initial reactions to this case? Reflect on your personal values and how this would impact your initial thoughts.
- What are reactions to your co-worker’s recommendations related to contacting DCF and law enforcement?
Additional Case Information: After treating her for dehydration and possible opiate overdose, Jennifer becomes alert and responsive. When asked if she was aware she was pregnant, she states that she has known for about a month. She has not received any prenatal care, and she has not taken prenatal vitamins. Jennifer describes being afraid to see the doctor because she was worried that the medical team would discover she was using. During your conversation with her, Jennifer also discloses that she has two other children, both of whom are currently in foster care, due to her inability to care for them. Jennifer admits to using opiates and nicotine daily, and she also endorses drinking alcohol at least twice a week. She reports that the father of the pregnancy also struggles with addiction, but she explains that he has not been involved with her pregnancy and his whereabouts are unknown. Jennifer expresses a desire to quit using. However, she states that all her previous attempts have failed. Jennifer adds that since learning that she was pregnant, she has not been able to maintain sobriety longer than three days because she becomes too ill. Per the timeline Jennifer provides, she has a five-year history of heavy substance use, has housing insecurities, and has no financial resources.
- Read and consult the Professional Code of Ethics for Certified Addictions Professionals
Download Professional Code of Ethics for Certified Addictions Professionals. Utilize this as a guideline to discuss what would be the most ethical manner to approach this case. Be specific in your discussion of how the Code of Ethics guides your decision making, and be sure to reference which parts of the Code of Ethics specifically apply to this situation.
- Describe how a Professional Code of Ethics assists clinicians in professional practice?
- Research and describe your findings on how in utero opiate and alcohol use can impact the fetus. (Make sure to site your references utilizing APA style).
- Based on the information gathered from the assessment, what would be your recommendations for Jennifer? Be specific regarding your course of action and make sure to provide an empirically-based (i.e., research and/or course material) rationale for your decisions.
Format:
Submissions for this assignment should utilize the following criteria
- Answer each question fully and make sure to support responses with research and course material.
- Responses to each of the six questions should be a minimum of 150 words.
- APA style formatting should be utilized (i.e., Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with appropriate headings). References should also be cited utilizing APA style.
