Philosophy course - when is it ok to lie...?

[artofwar]

Alrighty. I've been brainstorming ideas for a philosphy course for a counterexample (situation) to the claim that "nurses must never lie except to prevent serious harm to the patient". As nurses we always know to tell the truth, unless if it was to previous harm or health promotion to our patients. But under what circumstances, as a nurse, would it be ok for us to lie? (not necessarily to our patients.. but in any situation?)

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated? I must have brain freeze.

THAnks

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

We had a great discussion on just this subject about a week or so ago. Let me look for a link for you.

Here you go:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f22/pacify-orientate-alzheimers-176053.html?highlight=therapeutic+lying

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

i'll lie to confused patients to prevent them from getting agitated. it is now known that it is absolutely of no use to orient a patient who is beyond orienting. better to just stay within the limits of their world.

i also tell white lies to other departments like pharmacy, housekeeping or x-ray if it is going to expedite service from them. i don't do it all the time, but when something needs to be done right away, a patient is clamoring for a medication i don't have, or some other department seems to be dragging their feet on getting a service to me as fast as i think they should, i'll think up something to get them moving faster, like "the doctor wants this given or done right away" or "the patient is threatening to call the administrator (or their lawyer)" when that's not exactly true. making these lies up is easier if one was a manipulative spoiled child herself. [i can't believe you said that. you are such a pimple on the butt of you.]

[firstyearstudent]

Good question.

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

making these lies up is easier if one was a manipulative spoiled child herself. [i can't believe you said that. you are such a pimple on the butt of you.]

rotflmao!! :roll

thanks!! i needed that!!