The nurse faces a true ethical dilemma and uses several strategies for resolving the issue. What is the likely outcome?

Question

a. A satisfying solution will be found if the nurse logically applies more than one strategy for decision making.
b. If the nurse involves other members of the healthcare team in the decision-making process, a compromise will be reached that satisfies everyone.
c. The nurse will nevertheless probably not be comfortable with any course of action, regardless of the strategy, model, or type of reasoning used.
d. A decision can be reached that is comfortable for the nurse if the nurse applies a decision model to the dilemma.

Answer 1

C
True ethical dilemmas involve deciding between the better of two negative outcomes, so the nurse will probably not be comfortable with any course of action, regardless of the strategy, number of strategies, model, or type of reasoning used. Because of the nature of a dilemma, even with the involvement of other team members it is unlikely the decision will be fully satisfying to any one participant. Ethical decision-making models will help the nurse carefully consider several perspectives, guide reasoning, and explain reasons for final action; however, true ethical dilemmas require deciding between the lesser of two evils, so any conclusion is likely to be unsatisfying in some ways.