A female patient is scheduled for lumbar spine series. The radiographer is asked to go to another room for some

accident victims. She tells you everything is ready to go. You go ahead and perform the x-rays. It is revealed that the woman is pregant and in the first trimester. Obviously an injustice has been done and may result in a lawsuit.
Was the injustice done active or passive? Is there a moral difference? What can be learned from this sceanario?

In this scenario, the injustice done can be considered passive rather than active. Here's why:

Passive injustice occurs when harm is caused unintentionally or without deliberate action. In this case, the radiographer was asked to go to another room for accident victims and was informed that everything was ready for the lumbar spine series. The radiographer assumed that all necessary precautions were taken and proceeded to perform the x-rays. It was only later revealed that the patient was pregnant and in the first trimester.

However, it is important to note that even though the injustice was passive, it does not absolve the responsibility of the radiographer. Medical professionals have a duty of care to their patients, and it is their responsibility to ensure that all necessary precautionary measures are taken before performing any diagnostic procedure, especially when there is a possibility of harm to the patient or their unborn child.

Regarding the moral difference, there is indeed a distinction between active and passive injustices. Active injustice involves deliberate actions or intentional harm caused to others. Passive injustice, on the other hand, occurs as a result of negligence, oversight, or lack of knowledge.

What can be learned from this scenario is the importance of thorough patient assessment and communication in healthcare settings. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to gather complete and accurate information about patients, including their medical history and potential pregnancy status, before performing any procedures that might pose a risk. Effective communication between team members is also essential to ensure that everyone involved is aware of any relevant patient information.

To prevent similar situations and minimize the risk of harm, healthcare providers should implement standardized protocols and procedures for patient assessment, ensure proper documentation of patient information, and foster a culture of open communication within the healthcare team. Continuous education and training on patient safety and ethical considerations are also essential for healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date and make informed decisions in challenging situations.