ESSAY : LET’S TAKE A LOOK (PG. 52)

Laura, a cytotechnology student, is practicing for an exam by reading slides from a study set from five years ago. On one slide of a cervical specimen Laura believes she sees malignant cells. However, the slide had originally been read as normal by the cytotechnologist who, coincidentally, is now her instructor. She shows the slide to her instructor, who agrees with Laura–the cervical cells indeed show malignancy, and the specimen is not normal as originally read. Laura\’s instructor commends her on this “good pick-up.” When Laura asks if they should inform anyone about the error, her instructor says no. He reasons that if they were to point out his past mistake, others might lose their confidence in him and, besides, there would probably be no clinical impact since the specimen was already five years old.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
1. What are plausible actions that Laura could take at this point?
2. What are the ethical reasons Laura would rely on to justify the plausible actions in #1?
3. Which of her actions and associated justifications seem the most morally defensible to you? Why?

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Plausible Actions That Laura Could Take at This Point
The first credible action that Laura could take is to follow the instructor’s advice to help maintain the motivation level and the confidence the students have with the instructor. If at all she informs them of the mistake, then they will question the many other aspects taught by the instructor. Since the specimen is already five years old, letting the situation stay as it is will help build self-confidence.
Another action that Laura can take is to engage students in a discussion over all the slides. On reaching that particular slide having controversy, let her allow other students express their opinion if the cervical sample has malignant cells or if it is normal. If they share her opinion yet the instructor’s answer is otherwise, let Laura advise them that they seek the advice of the instructor. If the answer comes from the instructor and not…