Nia Oliver

Selected Topics in Nutrition

J. Obriant

February 22, 2023

Ethics Assignment

1. Is the situation described as an ethical issue?

Yes, the situation described raises an ethical issue. The RDN dismissed the client's disclosure

about pursuing complementary and alternative therapies without further investigation or

providing a thoughtful response, which may be considered a breach of ethical conduct.

2. Is the situation described as a business dispute?

No, the situation is not a business dispute.

3. What principle(s) and Standards of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why?

This situation relates to Principles 1-3, in my opinion.

- Principle 1: Competence and professional development in practice (Non-maleficence):

The RDN should have a basic knowledge of complementary and alternative therapies and

should be able to provide information to clients about these therapies when asked.

- Principle 2: Integrity in personal and organizational behaviors and practices (Autonomy):

The RDN should respect the client's autonomy and work collaboratively with the client to

achieve their health goals.

- Principle 3: Professionalism (Beneficence): The RDN should act in the best interest of

the client and provide accurate and evidence-based information to the client.
This situation relates to multiple standards, some of those standards include:

a. Practice using an evidence-based approach within areas of competence, continuously

develop and enhance expertise, and recognize limitations.

b. Respect patient/clients’ autonomy. Safeguard patient/client confidentiality according to

current regulations and laws.

c. Act in a caring and respectful manner, mindful of individual differences, cultural, and

ethnic diversity.

4. What are the key issues?

The key issues in this situation are the RDN's lack of familiarity with complementary and

alternative therapies and their dismissal of the client's disclosure without providing further

investigation or a thoughtful response.

5. How might you handle as a colleague?

As a colleague, I would suggest that the RDN approach the client with curiosity and respect for

their preferences and concerns, and acknowledge that there may be gaps in their knowledge

about complementary and alternative therapies. I would encourage the RDN to seek additional

resources or consult with a specialist in complementary and alternative therapies to provide

accurate and thoughtful information to the client.

6. How might you be able to prevent a similar occurrence from happening?

To prevent a similar occurrence from happening, RDNs can proactively seek out continuing

education opportunities and resources related to complementary and alternative therapies. They

can also make it a standard practice to inquire about clients' use of complementary and

alternative therapies and be prepared to provide accurate information and referrals as needed.

Additionally, RDNs can collaborate with healthcare providers and specialists in complementary

and alternative therapies to ensure coordinated care for clients.