Ethical Dilemma in Nursing - Essay Example

In light of the case, if the code of ethics provided by the American Nurses Association is analyzed, one can see that autonomy and choice of treatment of a patient are given preference (ANA, 2001). Like if a patient refuses a blood transfusion even in a critical scenario, the choice of the patient would be respected. However, in a few states like Illinois, the Supreme Court has intervened to take legal measures to give priority to saving a human life (Illinois Supreme Court, 1996). The principles applied to the case are of compassion, justice, autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and respect. All the principles commonly state to act upon the patient’s free will to accept treatment that is not in conflict with her/his beliefs keeping in view that the patient is not intentionally harmed. The principle of veracity also applies which states that healthcare providers should be truthful to the patients and must allow the patients to make an informed decision (Gardiner, 2003).

Analyzing the case from a personal perspective, it is though obvious that the nurses followed ethical principles and did not compromise the beliefs of the patient; however, the life of the patient and fetus had been compromised. The nursing staff followed the code of ethics given by the American Nursing Association which is in conformance with other ethical principles.

If the patient had been treated with the blood transfusion, her life could be saved but her regret to live out of her religious morality would never make her repent. People have emotional associations with their beliefs and values that must be respected. But one can disagree with the decision of the patient and her family (husband) as beliefs are only perceptions and they are not more valuable than human life. It could be possible to take immediate help from a bishop to guide them in case of severe life risk so she might get treated.

All principles of ethics in nursing state to uphold the beliefs and values of the affected patient and no treatment should be provided against their will or morality. However, it becomes sensitive when human life is in danger and the matter needs to be further elaborated and researched so that the nurses may be able to safeguard precious lives as well as respect the morality and beliefs of patients.