Personal Ethical Dilemma And Use A Decision-Making Process
Description of the ethical or moral dilemma (identified as actual or simulated) and its resolution. Application of ethical theory to the dilemma with critique of key elements.
An ethical/moral issue arises when there are choices to be made, and yet none of the choices is clear or the options are not ideal. The result of such a situation is moral distress (knowing the right thing but being unable to do it or not being allowed to do it), problematic clinical relationships, and patient care quality declining. Nurses are particularly susceptible to ethical issues (White, 2017).
An example of an ethical dilemma that a nurse can face is the choice on whether to honestly present information to a patient or withhold information. It is not uncommon for the family member to request that medical information be withheld from a sick patient when there is concern about the patient’s emotions. This is especially the case when the patient is likely to cause harm after receiving bad news, such as committing suicide or harming others. However, each patient has the right to access the medical records and be informed about the medical condition. Making the decision on how to share the information with the patient can be a touchy issue, particularly if the family is against the information being shared (Pozgar, 2020)Personal Ethical Dilemma And Use A Decision-Making Process.
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Despite opposition from the family, the ANA code of ethics advocates for the nurse to tell the truth (veracity) as a key factor in the relationship between the nurse and patient. In such as case, it is important to follow the ethics of veracity in telling the patient the truth. Still, the concerns of the family cannot be ignored. This would require that the nurse justify less than full disclosure, especially in a situation in which the truth could have a terrible impact on the patient. Also, the nurse should have more awareness of the situation, and apply the right communication skills in the context of breaking bad news and telling the patient the truth about the diagnosis, treatment outcomes and prognosis (Pozgar, 2020)Personal Ethical Dilemma And Use A Decision-Making Process.
References
Pozgar, G. D. (2020). Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals (5th ed.). John & Bartlett Learning, LLC.
White, T. I. (2017). Right and Wrong: A Practical Introduction to Ethics (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Personal Ethical Dilemma And Use A Decision-Making Process