Which of the following is the best way for nurses to minimize their struggles in making ethical decisions?
A) Take no action unless an advance directive, will, and other legally binding documents are in effect
B) Act on the recommendations of a patient's healthcare provider, friends, and family members
C) Consult the guidelines of the American Nurses Association and the institution's ethics committee
D) Maintain nursing's traditional focus on following physicians' orders and providing care and comfort for the patient
C
Feedback:
Although legal documents and the views of family members should be taken into account, a nurse may be called on to make ethical decisions without them or occasionally in opposition to them. Retreating into a "care-only' mode does not resolve ethical dilemmas. The best choice among those listed is to seek guidance from professional organizations and committees charged with establishing ethical guidelines for institutions.
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