Principled decision making in district nurse practice

This article outlines a case study in which Sister Mary Newsome is in conflict with her district nurse colleague over the care of Margaret, 67, who they visit to monitor blood glucose levels and calculate the insulin dose to manage her diabetes. Recently, Margaret has been refusing to answer the door to the district nurses and has been eating sugary foods that have resulted in five admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis. While Sister Newsome believes continued care at home is best for Margaret, her colleague believes that only residential care will ensure Margaret maintains an appropriate diet and receives her insulin. Sister Newsome considers how best to resolve the conflict over the care of Margaret.