C426
Healthcare Values and Ethics
TASK 1 – Ethical Dilemmas
Passed on the First Attempt.
Western Governors University
, Ethical Dilemmas
Part A1
In the scenario presented, a 90-year-old individual wants life-saving measures performed on her,
but her children do not want those measures to be taken. This situation presents several potential
ethical dilemmas, including those related to autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence.
Autonomy refers to an individual's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. In this
case, the 90-year-old patient is expressing her autonomy by requesting life-saving measures.
However, her children are opposing her wishes, raising ethical concerns about balancing
autonomy with other principles. The ethical dilemma related to autonomy arises from the conflict
between the patient's right to make decisions about her own healthcare and the concerns of her
children. From a legal standpoint, autonomy is generally upheld as a fundamental right in
healthcare decision-making. Patients have the right to refuse or request medical interventions
based on their own values and beliefs, even if others disagree with their choices. Beneficence is
another ethical principle that comes into play in this scenario. Beneficence refers to the duty of
healthcare providers to act in the best interest of the patient and promote their well-being. In this
case, the 90-year-old patient believes that life-saving measures would benefit her and potentially
prolong her life. Given the complexity of the situation, healthcare providers must carefully
consider the principle of non-maleficence, which emphasizes the obligation to do no harm. The
potential consequences of both providing and withholding life-saving measures must be
thoroughly evaluated to ensure that the chosen course of action aligns with the ethical principles
of beneficence and non-maleficence.
This study source was downloaded by 100000902171055 from CourseHero.com on 11-10-2025 21:32:30 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/236714895/Ethical-Dilemmasdocx/
Healthcare Values and Ethics
TASK 1 – Ethical Dilemmas
Passed on the First Attempt.
Western Governors University
, Ethical Dilemmas
Part A1
In the scenario presented, a 90-year-old individual wants life-saving measures performed on her,
but her children do not want those measures to be taken. This situation presents several potential
ethical dilemmas, including those related to autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence.
Autonomy refers to an individual's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. In this
case, the 90-year-old patient is expressing her autonomy by requesting life-saving measures.
However, her children are opposing her wishes, raising ethical concerns about balancing
autonomy with other principles. The ethical dilemma related to autonomy arises from the conflict
between the patient's right to make decisions about her own healthcare and the concerns of her
children. From a legal standpoint, autonomy is generally upheld as a fundamental right in
healthcare decision-making. Patients have the right to refuse or request medical interventions
based on their own values and beliefs, even if others disagree with their choices. Beneficence is
another ethical principle that comes into play in this scenario. Beneficence refers to the duty of
healthcare providers to act in the best interest of the patient and promote their well-being. In this
case, the 90-year-old patient believes that life-saving measures would benefit her and potentially
prolong her life. Given the complexity of the situation, healthcare providers must carefully
consider the principle of non-maleficence, which emphasizes the obligation to do no harm. The
potential consequences of both providing and withholding life-saving measures must be
thoroughly evaluated to ensure that the chosen course of action aligns with the ethical principles
of beneficence and non-maleficence.
This study source was downloaded by 100000902171055 from CourseHero.com on 11-10-2025 21:32:30 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/236714895/Ethical-Dilemmasdocx/
