Question

Janet is a nurse at a retirement home. Contrary to the doctor's prescription, she reduces the dosage if a particular drug for one of the residents when she notices that the regular unsafe of the drug causes certain side effects. Which of the following describes Janet's moral development?

A. Pre-conventional
B. Post-conventional
C. Non-conventional
D. Conventional
E. Delayed

Answer 1

Janet's decision to reduce a medication dosage based on its side effects and despite doctor's orders reflects post-conventional moral development, where moral principles outweigh adherence to rules or laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Janet is a nurse at a retirement home and makes a judgment to reduce the dosage of a drug, contrary to a doctor's prescription, based on the observation that the regular dose is causing side effects, she is demonstrating moral reasoning that falls into the category of post-conventional moral development. This stage of moral reasoning is characterized by an understanding that moral and legal standards may not always coincide and that decisions should be made based on abstract principles such as the right to life and well-being. Janet's actions suggest that she values the health and safety of the resident over the strict adherence to prescribed rules or authority, which is indicative of the highest stage described by Kohlberg's theory of moral development.