Chp.5 assignment/plagiarism free | Nursing homework help
In my opinion, Jessica did the right thing by moving Christopher’s chin up so he could breathe, despite the truck driver yelling at her not to move him. Airway management is crucial in situations like this, and since Christopher was not breathing and had his head down, lifting his head was necessary to maintain an open airway.
As an RN, Jessica may be held to a higher standard than a layperson when providing aid. However, she was still covered by the Good Samaritan law since she provided assistance in good faith and did not act recklessly or with intent to harm.
If Christopher had not started breathing when she moved his head and suffered further injury, Jessica may not have been covered by the Good Samaritan law. However, since Christopher did start breathing immediately, it is irrelevant in this scenario.
Legally, Jessica was not required to stop and provide aid since she was off-duty at the time. However, ethically, as a healthcare professional, she had an obligation to provide aid and uphold her duty to care for others.
In my opinion, it is always a good idea to stop and give assistance at an accident site before medical help arrives, as every second counts in saving a life or preventing further harm. However, it is important to assess the situation and prioritize personal safety before providing aid.
Reference: American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: Nursesbooks.org.