Choose either The Constant Gardener or Nigeria/Pfizer; then, submit answers to the questions on that scenario.

For either assignment, you need to cite at least two outside references. You are also required to respond to two classmates' postings. One response must be to a posting on the scenario you did not choose for your posting. The Constant Gardener: 1. Do you think this kind of study could happen in reality? Why or why not? I believe that it can happen today as it is hard to control medical research studies outside the United States, even with the help of the United Nations. But, this has become a topic of awareness throughout the world, and awareness is the first step in prevention. With awareness of dangerous practices and educating others regarding such harmful and dangerous actions it can hopefully come to an end. Even though this can happen in the present time, the incidences will hopefully diminish through awareness and education. 2. What safeguards are in place to prevent this? Certain safeguards have been placed within the United States to protect participants of medical research studies and to ensure fair trials and safety of all participating. In the United States the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) leads the department's programs for the protection of human research participants and oversees human protection in HHS-funded research. Clinical trial procedures are reviewed by institutional review boards (IRBs) The purpose of an IRB review is to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of participants as subjects of research. If the risks to participants are found to be too great, the IRB will not approve the research, or it will specify changes that must be made before the research can be done. (FDA, 2013). 3. Give an example of an unethical healthcare study that has been conducted? Public Health Service and Tuskegee Institute began a study in 1932 where they recruited 600 poor sharecroppers. 399 of those in the study had already contracted syphilis before the study, and 201 did not have syphilis. The sharecroppers were given free medical care, food, and free burial insurance for being in the study, but were never told that they had syphilis nor were they treated for the disease. They were told that they were being treated for bad blood, which at that time and area meant someone who was ill from syphilis, anemia, or fatigue. This study was notorious because in the 40 years that the study was conducted, and even after it became an effective cure for syphilis, none of the patients were given penicillin as treatment. 4. Can the nurse be an advocate for ethical healthcare in this type of situation? Why or why not?

The nurse can always be an advocate for ethical healthcare in any situation. They have the responsibility to protect the patient and stand up for their best interest. The nurse should be able to report the unethical behaviors to the appropriate boards or committees. The nurse should also be the educator of the patient and review the patients rights so they are aware of any wrong doings.

References: 1. Timeline. December 4, 2008. Tuskegee Study. NCHHSTP, CDC. 2. United States Food and Drug Administration. November 4, 2013. Clinical Trials and Human Subject Protection. http://www.fda.gov/scienceresearch/specialtopics/runningclinicaltrials/default.htm