Problem:
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you are working with a 34-year-old married white male being treated for opiate dependence and major depression, single episode. He feels very guilty and upset about his heroin use, which started about three months ago, after taking more Percocet than prescribed after a complicated back surgery. He doesn't want his wife, Maddie, to know that he has been using heroin or that he is being treated for depression.
You get a call from Maddie, who found your business card with his next appointment date written on the back in his shirt pocket. She demands to know why her husband is seeing you.
Discuss the issues of confidentiality at play in this case. Also discuss the ethical issues that you face as the nurse practitioner. Discuss what you should do in this case, using the material presented this week. What impact do these ethical decisions have on you as a care provider? What are some creative ways to address the needs of the people involved despite the confidentiality requirements? Need Assignment Help?