Ethical dilemma in nursing

Full Answer Section

      Confidentiality vs. Safety:

• A patient discloses they plan to harm themselves or someone else. The nurse is obligated to maintain confidentiality but also has a duty to protect others.

Resource Allocation vs. Equal Care:

• In a critical care unit with limited ventilators, the nurse must decide which patient receives life support. Both patients have an equal right to care, but resources are scarce.

End-of-Life Care:

• A family requests the nurse continue life support for a terminally ill patient despite medical advice suggesting it's no longer beneficial. The nurse respects the family's wishes but also understands the patient's suffering.

Workplace Issues:

• A nurse witnesses a colleague providing substandard care. Reporting the colleague could jeopardize their job, but staying silent could put patients at risk.

How Nurses Resolve Ethical Dilemmas Nurses rely on several tools to navigate these dilemmas:

• Ethical Codes: Most nursing professional organizations have codes of ethics that provide guidance on ethical decision-making.
• Critical Thinking: Nurses analyze the situation, considering all factors involved, potential consequences, and relevant ethical principles.
• Collaboration: Discussing the dilemma with colleagues, supervisors, or ethics committees can provide valuable perspectives.
• Advocacy: Nurses advocate for their patients' rights and well-being, even when faced with difficult situations.

Importance of Addressing Ethical Dilemmas Ethical dilemmas can cause stress and anxiety for nurses. However, failing to address them can have serious consequences for patients, the profession, and the nurse themself. Open communication, access to resources, and a supportive work environment are crucial in helping nurses navigate these challenges. By understanding these ethical dilemmas and the tools available to address them, nurses can continue to provide high-quality, compassionate care while upholding their ethical obligations.  

Sample Answer

   

Nurses navigate complex situations daily, and sometimes those situations can lead to ethical dilemmas. These dilemmas arise when there's a conflict between the nurse's professional obligations, patient's needs, and personal values. Here are some common ethical dilemmas nurses face:

Patient Autonomy vs. Medical Necessity:

• A patient with a religious objection to a life-saving blood transfusion refuses treatment. The nurse respects the patient's autonomy but also understands the medical necessity of the transfusion.