1
Professional Platform for Ethics and Leadership
Student’s Name
Grand Canyon University
Date Submitted
, 2
Professional Platform for Ethics and Leadership
Ethical dilemmas in nursing are not uncommon and they in most cases present difficult
challenges that need thoughtful consideration. This assignment therefore addresses ethical
decision-making in nursing by recognizing particular ethical dilemmas that will be selected for
discussion. The discussion will begin with a concise overview of the selected ethical dilemma,
discussing its key elements as well as its context. The principles of autonomy, beneficence, and
confidentiality shall be explored, and in addition, the role of nursing in addressing such
dilemmas, highlighting the significance of the ethical framework will be discussed, and also
emphasize the interconnectedness of individual ethics in healthcare settings.
Summary of the Ethical Dilemma
The ethical dilemma involves a situation where a 78-year-old female patient with a
history of suffering from diabetes and heart disease has been admitted to the hospital and this
time she is suffering from severe infection. The medical team upon assessment recommends
aggressive treatment that would include surgery to treat the infection and prevent more
complications. However, the patient Mrs. RJ shows a strong desire or will to avoid surgery as
much as she can citing fears about post-operative side effects and anesthesia. She however insists
on only getting conservative medical management as well as antibiotics.
Ethical Principles
Autonomy
In healthcare, autonomy is the fundamental principle that offers people the right to make
their own medical decisions without being obstructed by other people including the care
providers. This principle is evident in the case of Mrs. RJ is faced with a difficult decision
Professional Platform for Ethics and Leadership
Student’s Name
Grand Canyon University
Date Submitted
, 2
Professional Platform for Ethics and Leadership
Ethical dilemmas in nursing are not uncommon and they in most cases present difficult
challenges that need thoughtful consideration. This assignment therefore addresses ethical
decision-making in nursing by recognizing particular ethical dilemmas that will be selected for
discussion. The discussion will begin with a concise overview of the selected ethical dilemma,
discussing its key elements as well as its context. The principles of autonomy, beneficence, and
confidentiality shall be explored, and in addition, the role of nursing in addressing such
dilemmas, highlighting the significance of the ethical framework will be discussed, and also
emphasize the interconnectedness of individual ethics in healthcare settings.
Summary of the Ethical Dilemma
The ethical dilemma involves a situation where a 78-year-old female patient with a
history of suffering from diabetes and heart disease has been admitted to the hospital and this
time she is suffering from severe infection. The medical team upon assessment recommends
aggressive treatment that would include surgery to treat the infection and prevent more
complications. However, the patient Mrs. RJ shows a strong desire or will to avoid surgery as
much as she can citing fears about post-operative side effects and anesthesia. She however insists
on only getting conservative medical management as well as antibiotics.
Ethical Principles
Autonomy
In healthcare, autonomy is the fundamental principle that offers people the right to make
their own medical decisions without being obstructed by other people including the care
providers. This principle is evident in the case of Mrs. RJ is faced with a difficult decision
