Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing - Essay Example Humanism is a concept that goes beyond any person’s professional laws and requirements. Nurses may need to resort to their moral values and beliefs when coming up with a solution. (Benjamin, 2010). Some situations need to be weighed on closer look so that the best decision is made. During a moral dilemma there is not a right or wrong decision to make. (Hold, 2013). All in all, the dilemma must be solve particularly when the patient’s life is at risk.   Mr. Smith, 67 years of age and widowed, is fighting a UTI. This is a urinary tract infection which if not treated at the stage in which it is, it can cause further complications in his system. The only way to stop this complication is to offer him with Intravenous antibiotics which will ultimately kill the bacteria causing the UTI. However, Mr. Smith refuses the medication at all costs even after the doctors, nurses as well as his close family members have explained to him the importance. Informed consent is important i n medicine and the doctors have done a good job telling Mr. Smith and his family of his condition and what needs to be done. While it normal to see such a case where old people refuse treatment, Mr. Smith happens to not have a sober mind following the serious effects of the complications. The doctors and nurses have used this as basis that he is not legible to make any serious decisions by himself. Following this, the IV antibiotics are still being administered to Mr. Smith without his approval. Informed consent is not fully.