An ethical dilemma is a situation in which an individual is compelled to choose between two actions. It involves a conflict in moral and ethical perspectives, it pertains to honesty, right vs wrong decisions, and principles in moral conduct.
Nurses can offer relevant information and participate in the decision-making aspects of nursing that involve ethical dilemmas. However, ethical dilemmas in nursing must be viewed in the PROFESSIONAL context at all times.
Moral principles are important in ethical dilemmas because every decision can have an affect on another person's life, self-esteem, and happiness level.
Many times, nurses use moral reasoning to make moral judgments in order to come to the right actions. Moral reasoning may be based on right or wrong behaviors, attitudes, and the goodness or badness of human character.
Some examples of ethical dilemmas
Inappropriate Medication Orders
It is unsafe for the healthcare professional to give the wrong medications and dosages to a patient that may lead to death.
An ethical dilemma can occur when a nurse may have to challenge a medication order written by a physician.
Truth Telling Versus Deception
Sometimes, families want to deny telling the patient the truth about a medical condition when a family insists that the progress will cause harm.
What should the nurse do? Does the patient have a right to know?
Life-threatening Patient Decisions
Sometimes, patients make decisions that are not safe, such as refusing treatment, medication, or life-saving procedures.
A nurse can find herself/himself in an ethical dilemma because not giving the necessary treatment goes against beneficence or non-maleficence. However, giving the treatment would be going against and not respecting the patient's autonomy.
What should the nurse do with ethical dilemmas? Remember three basic principles of ethical care: beneficence, non-maleficence, and autonomy
(1) Beneficence means acting only for the benefit of the patient, and consists of the deeds of "mercy, kindness, and charity"
(2) Non-maleficence means to do no harm to the patient
(3) Autonomy is the freedom or ability to act in a self-determined manner; the right of person to make decisions independent of outside interference
There is no right solution to an ethical dilemma
Ethical dilemma = problem without a satisfactory resolution
Different choices regarding the same ethical dilemma can be made = neither choice being a "right or wrong" decision
Solutions to Ethical Dilemmas
1. Evaluate your own personal moral code of conduct and focus on the consequences and how it may affect others in mind. Morals vary depending on the person.
2. Detach personal feelings and think of the impact the decision will have on others involved in the situation. Feelings, values, and beliefs can lead you into a decision, especially if emotions are involved.
3. Focus on the ethical dilemma you are facing. Research the problem and write down important moral factors related to the dilemma.
4. Explore options to solve the ethical problem.
5. Talk to other staff members, administrators, and supervisors about the ethical problem and ask other colleagues for suggestions.
6. Always remember to maintain privacy and confidentiality for the patient, informed consent, and respect for others.
7. Remember that ethical dilemmas are a part of ethics that involves the standards of people in society.
References
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2008). Nursing ethics across the curriculum and into practice (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
eHow. (2012). Ethical dilemmas and risk management. Retrieved from www.ehow/about_5554400_ethical-dilemma-risk-management.html
eHow. (2012). Examples of ethical dilemmas. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5871671-examples-nursing-ethical-dilemmas.html
eHow. (2012). How to approach ethical dilemmas. Retrieved from www.ehow.com/how_7609727_approach-ethical-dilemmas.html
Home Morals. (2011). Solutions to ethical dilemmas. Retrieved from http://homemorals.com/ethical-dilemma/Solution-To-Ethical-Dilemma.html
Nurse Talk.(2011). Ethics in nursing: The daily dilemmas. Retrieved from http://nursetalksite.com/2011/10/11/ethics-in-nursing-the-daily-dilemmas/
