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Solving an Ethical Dilemma
By (Student Name)
Institutional Affiliation (School)
Course Title (Class)
Instructor (Tutor)
Date
, 2
Solving an Ethical Dilemma
Case study
Anna is a mental health patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder two
weeks ago. In her intake form, she is cited as mentally unstable and has shown tendencies to
hurt herself and harm people around her. She refuses to take medications or comply with care
directions, and her condition is worsening. This paper is based on this example of an ethical
dilemma and processes the situation using the 11-step Ethical Decision-Making Model
presented below.
Ethical Decision-Making Model
Identify the problem
The problem in this case is what to do to guarantee the safety of the patient(s) while
still not appearing to impose will on the client, given that this goes against the code of
medical ethics. Despite being in a position to take stern steps toward the client, she feels
compelled by medical ethics to respect the consent of the client but is still obligated to ensure
that the client's health improves and does not engage in actions that could jeopardize the
health of others. Anna's family is highly compliant.
Identify all the persons and institutions involved
This case attracts the possible attention of various stakeholders, including the patient,
her family or surrogate(s), mental health practitioners (psychiatrist, psychologist, or others),
pharmacists, nurses, and doctor(s).
Determine who should be involved in the decision-making.
Decision-making about the health of a patient is primarily reserved for the client.
Given that any actions about treatment directly affect the client, the patient becomes the
primary stakeholder in decision-making processes, especially those that pertain to developing
Solving an Ethical Dilemma
By (Student Name)
Institutional Affiliation (School)
Course Title (Class)
Instructor (Tutor)
Date
, 2
Solving an Ethical Dilemma
Case study
Anna is a mental health patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder two
weeks ago. In her intake form, she is cited as mentally unstable and has shown tendencies to
hurt herself and harm people around her. She refuses to take medications or comply with care
directions, and her condition is worsening. This paper is based on this example of an ethical
dilemma and processes the situation using the 11-step Ethical Decision-Making Model
presented below.
Ethical Decision-Making Model
Identify the problem
The problem in this case is what to do to guarantee the safety of the patient(s) while
still not appearing to impose will on the client, given that this goes against the code of
medical ethics. Despite being in a position to take stern steps toward the client, she feels
compelled by medical ethics to respect the consent of the client but is still obligated to ensure
that the client's health improves and does not engage in actions that could jeopardize the
health of others. Anna's family is highly compliant.
Identify all the persons and institutions involved
This case attracts the possible attention of various stakeholders, including the patient,
her family or surrogate(s), mental health practitioners (psychiatrist, psychologist, or others),
pharmacists, nurses, and doctor(s).
Determine who should be involved in the decision-making.
Decision-making about the health of a patient is primarily reserved for the client.
Given that any actions about treatment directly affect the client, the patient becomes the
primary stakeholder in decision-making processes, especially those that pertain to developing
