Choose an ethical issue encountered in nursing that you may encounter in your practice and complete a PowerPoint presentation that explains the problem and how it should be handled. Use current references to show where you received your information. Use a Title page and a Reference page. The content should be at least 5 pages long.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Ethical Issues in Nursing: The Dilemma of Patient Autonomy vs. Beneficence
Introduction
Nursing is a profession that involves making critical decisions that impact the lives of patients. Occasionally, nurses encounter ethical dilemmas that require careful consideration and adherence to ethical principles. One of the most prevalent ethical issues in nursing practice is the conflict between patient autonomy and beneficence. This essay will explore this ethical issue, providing an overview of the problem and offering guidance on how it should be handled.
Understanding the Ethical Dilemma
Definition of Patient Autonomy
Patient autonomy refers to an individual’s right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.
It emphasizes the importance of respecting patients’ values, beliefs, and preferences when making medical choices.
Definition of Beneficence
Beneficence is the ethical principle that requires healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of their patients.
It emphasizes the obligation to promote well-being and prevent harm.
Conflict between Patient Autonomy and Beneficence
The conflict arises when a patient’s autonomous decision contradicts what healthcare professionals believe is in their best interest.
This dilemma often occurs in situations where patients refuse recommended treatments or choose alternative interventions that providers deem ineffective or harmful.
Case Study: Mrs. Johnson’s Dilemma
To illustrate the ethical dilemma between patient autonomy and beneficence, we will examine a hypothetical case study involving Mrs. Johnson, a 72-year-old patient diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Mrs. Johnson’s Diagnosis
Mrs. Johnson has been diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer and has been advised by her oncologist to undergo chemotherapy.
The oncologist believes chemotherapy could extend her life by several months and potentially improve her quality of life during that time.
Mrs. Johnson’s Autonomous Decision
Despite the oncologist’s recommendation, Mrs. Johnson decides to decline chemotherapy.
She expresses her desire to avoid the potential side effects and wishes to focus on spending quality time with her family.
The Ethical Dilemma
The conflict arises as Mrs. Johnson’s autonomous decision contradicts the oncologist’s belief that chemotherapy could provide potential benefits.
The nurse now faces the challenge of respecting Mrs. Johnson’s autonomy while considering the principles of beneficence.
Resolving the Ethical Dilemma
When confronted with an ethical dilemma involving patient autonomy and beneficence, nurses can follow guidelines to ensure a balanced approach:
Respecting Patient Autonomy
Nurses should respect patients’ right to make autonomous decisions about their own healthcare.
This includes providing comprehensive information about treatment options, risks, and benefits.
Nurses should encourage open dialogue and actively listen to patients’ concerns and preferences.
Applying Beneficence
While respecting patient autonomy, nurses must also consider the principle of beneficence.
They should provide patients with accurate information, including evidence-based research on treatment options.
Nurses should offer support and guidance, emphasizing the potential benefits and risks associated with different choices.
Collaborative Decision-Making
Promoting shared decision-making between patients, healthcare providers, and their families can help navigate the ethical dilemma.
By working together, healthcare professionals can ensure that patients’ values and preferences are considered while also providing expert guidance.
Conclusion
In nursing practice, dilemmas often arise when patient autonomy conflicts with the principles of beneficence. The case study of Mrs. Johnson illustrates how nurses can navigate this ethical issue by respecting patient autonomy while still promoting beneficence. By fostering collaborative decision-making and providing comprehensive information, nurses can strike a balance between respecting patients’ choices and ensuring their well-being.
References
American Nurses Association (ANA). (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.
Guzman, A., & Rodriquez, G. (2019). Ethical dilemmas in nursing practice: Autonomy versus beneficence. International Journal of Nursing Science, 9(2), 121-125.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Nursing ethics. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/nursing-ethics
