Ethical dilemma from your nursing practice

Sample Answer

Ethical Dilemma: Patient Autonomy vs. Beneficence

A classic ethical dilemma in nursing is the conflict between patient autonomy and beneficence. This occurs when a patient's informed decision about their care conflicts with what the healthcare team believes is in the patient's best interest. For example, a patient with a life-threatening, but treatable, illness may refuse a medically effective treatment. The patient may state that they have lived a full life and do not wish to endure the side effects of the treatment. The nurse and healthcare team, guided by the principle of beneficence, feel a duty to provide life-saving care, creating a conflict with the patient's right to choose