Instructions:
Read the two (2) ethics cases carefully and then answer the questions. Please answer the questions on this sheet. Answers must be thorough and the correct ethical principle identified to receive full credit. (the ethics in the attachment)
Case Study # 1
A 45-year old man was referred to the Lipid Disorders Clinic with a plasma triglyceride of 1600 mg/dL. The physician prescribed medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for a 10% fat diet. When the RD asked about his level of motivation for making changes in his eating or exercise habits, he replied, “Exactly zero!” The RD responded, “Then we have nothing to talk about.” He replied, “What do you mean?” The patient and the RD then had a 30-minute conversation.
The patient set a goal to order Big Macs (29 grams fat) instead of the Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburgers (77 grams fat). This goal was not in keeping with a 10% fat diet. At the end of the session, the RD gave the patient an analysis of his eating habits, his goal sheet, practical information about the 10% fat diet, and a return appointment.
Discussion Questions
1. Is the situation described an ethical issue?
2. Is the situation described a business dispute?
3. What category and principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why?
4. What are the key issues?
5. How might you handle as a colleague?
Case Study #2:
MA is aa Registered Dietitian who works at the Outpatient Clinic. She also consults part-time with worksite wellnessprograms. Weight management guidance has become a major part of her practice. She recognizes that having the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Weight Management Certification would be useful, but cannot afford the cost and has no financial support from her employer to attend the training .
A friend who represents a company that makes and sells weight loss products suggests that the company would pay for her enrollment fees and travel expenses to the course in exchange for her meeting with their team to learn more about their products. Currently, she does not endorse any products and is generally against such products.
Discussion Questions
1. Is the situation described an ethical issue?
2. Is the situation described a business dispute?
3. What category and principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why?
4. What are the key issues?
5. How might you handle as a colleague?