[Answered]: TL is a 42-year-old female nurse who works in the…

TL is a 42-year-old female nurse who works in the primary care setting. A clinician colleague has noticed that she has been coughing a lot over the past few days and suggested to her that it might be time to think about quitting smoking. Today she asks the clinician for a prescription for an antibiotic. She says, “a Z-Pak is usually all I need.” She does not think she has a fever. She says that the clinician’s partner, Dr. S, usually writes her a prescription when she wants one. Past Medical History Unknown Medications Unknown Physical Examination Well-developed, well-nourished female in no acute distress Coughing frequently with apparent large airway sounds No obvious cyanosis DISCUSSION QUESTIONS The ethical principles of autonomy (she approached the clinician for help), beneficence (the clinician would be helping her), nonmaleficence (the clinician certainly is not hurting her), and justice (she wants to remain in the workforce) all seem to be met, so are there any concerns with providing the prescription that TL has requested? How would the ethical issues change if the clinician were to bring TL into an examination room to perform a professional physical examination? As a leader at the medical practice, what can the clinician do to protect herself and the staff against ethical dilemmas related to prescribing?