What are the five steps to resolving an ethical dilemma?

What are the five steps to resolving an ethical dilemma?

• A. Identify the problem; Gather data; Identify options; Make decisions; Act and assess
• B. Identify and clarify the ethical problem; Gather factual Data; Identify and evaluate options; Make decisions; Act and assess
• C. Define the problem; Analyze data; Implement decision; Evaluate outcomes
• D. Gather data; Identify options; Act; Assess; Decide

Answer: (B)

When thinking through an ethical dilemma in nursing, start by clearly identifying and clarifying what the ethical issue is. This step ensures you understand precisely what ethical conflict you’re facing, not just the surface clinical problem. Then gather factual data relevant to the situation—clinical details, patient preferences, legal and policy considerations, and the impact on all involved stakeholders. Next, identify possible actions and evaluate them against ethical principles and professional standards, weighing benefits, harms, and feasibility. After weighing options, decide on the best course of action. Finally, implement that decision and assess the outcomes, reflecting on whether the dilemma was resolved and what, if anything, should be adjusted moving forward. This sequence matches the option that emphasizes clarifying the ethical problem, gathering factual data, identifying and evaluating options, making decisions, and acting and assessing. Other formulations omit or reorder essential steps like evaluating options, or mix up the flow of action and assessment.

When thinking through an ethical dilemma in nursing, start by clearly identifying and clarifying what the ethical issue is. This step ensures you understand precisely what ethical conflict you’re facing, not just the surface clinical problem. Then gather factual data relevant to the situation—clinical details, patient preferences, legal and policy considerations, and the impact on all involved stakeholders. Next, identify possible actions and evaluate them against ethical principles and professional standards, weighing benefits, harms, and feasibility. After weighing options, decide on the best course of action. Finally, implement that decision and assess the outcomes, reflecting on whether the dilemma was resolved and what, if anything, should be adjusted moving forward. This sequence matches the option that emphasizes clarifying the ethical problem, gathering factual data, identifying and evaluating options, making decisions, and acting and assessing. Other formulations omit or reorder essential steps like evaluating options, or mix up the flow of action and assessment.