Ethics Wk1DQ1

Many situations can raise ethical concerns, particularly in the face of disagreement and conflict between parties. However, not all situations of an ethical nature result in values conflict or constitute an ethical dilemma. Explain the characteristics of an ethical dilemma. How do they differ from other situations resulting in disagreement between conflicting preferences, needs, or expectations?

An ethical dilemma can be described as a problem in which there is not a clear resolution. An ethical dilemma may present when there is a need to make a choice among two or more morally acceptable options. Ethical dilemmas may also be present when a choice must be made that results in picking between two or more equally unacceptable courses of action, when one choice prevents selection of the other (Ong, 2012).
Ethical dilemmas differ from other situations in which decisions must be made when the situation is merely uncomfortable. In order to determine if a situation is ethical it must require a choice to be made and no matter what course of action is taken, an ethical principle must be compromised.
Recently I have face an ethical dilemma in caring for an patient whos family did not wish to conform to medical recommendations that were advised by physicians of the hospital that I work at. My Following diagnostic imaging she was noted to have a perforated bowel. The patient was confused at this point and could not make her own medical decisions. She had signed a DNR/DNI and her family chose to not perform surgery. The patient was clearly in need of intervention or death was eminent. Her family was adamant rear. This presented a moral dillememma