Problem: Non-Consequential Ethical Theory
Review the following case:
Chelsea was preparing to drape Mr. Smith's leg in OR 6 for surgery when she was approached by Nicole, the nurse manager. Nicole asked, "Chelsea, please come to OR 3. We have an emergency there and urgently need your skills to assist the surgeon." Chelsea turned to Daniel, the surgical technician, and asked him to continue prepping Mr. Smith's leg for surgery. Daniel prepped the leg prior to the surgeon entering the room. The surgeon entered the room a few minutes later and asked, "Where is Chelsea?" Daniel replied, "She was called away for an emergency in OR 3. Karen will be shortly in to assist us."
Following the surgery, Mr. Smith was transferred to the recovery room. While he was in the recovery room, a nurse was looking at the patient's medical record as to the notes regarding the patient's procedure during surgery. She noticed that the surgery was conducted on the wrong leg.
Although there was a heated discussion between the surgeon and the nursing staff, each member of the staff had good intentions, but the outcome was not so good. Nonconsequentialists believe that right or wrong depends on the intention. They generally focus more on deeds and whether those deeds are good or bad. In this case, the intentions were good but the outcome was bad. It should be noted that nonconsequentialists do not always ignore the consequences.
They accept the fact that sometimes good intentions can lead to bad outcomes. In summary, nonconsequentialists focus more on character as to whether someone is a good person or not. Nonconsequentialists believe that right or wrong depends on the intention. Generally, the consequentialist will focus more on outcomes as to whether they are good or bad.
Address the following questions drawing support from your course resources and credible scholarly resources:
• Describe how the nonconsequential theory of ethics applies in this case.
• What questions might a consequentialist raise after reviewing the facts of this case and why.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.