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5.0: Introduction

Last updated

Feb 13, 2025
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- 5: Ethical Decision Making
- 5.1: Clinical Judgment and Ethical Dilemmas

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Figure 5.1 Decisions about ethical dilemmas should always be discussed among all members of the health care team. (credit: “3D Scales of Justice” by Chris Potter/flickr, CC BY 2.0)

In today’s complex, modern world, we are surrounded by ethical dilemmas. Ethical dilemmas in nursing practice are as common as they are diverse. In health care, the focus on ethics has intensified in response to the increasing number of controversial developments, such as advances in technology and the ability to prolong life, as well as access to health care and financial resources. This is further complicated by the increase in average life expectancy, resulting in more people seeking health care.

Although many individuals benefit from a better quality of life, some may find themselves in a situation of extended suffering when prolonging life, which often comes at great expense. There are also many ethical issues surrounding the delivery of health care and allocation of health care resources based on one’s age, race, gender, disability, and social mores.

Although there may be no clear solutions to these dilemmas, the fundamental philosophical principles are the same. Nurses can use clinical judgement to reason their way through these dilemmas by having an awareness and understanding of underlying philosophical principles. This allows the nurse to provide safe patient care and provide education to patients in an ethical manner. Unique challenges are also created in the profession of nursing. This chapter will discuss the impacts of ethics on nursing care.

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