A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with terminal cancer. The patient has just told his family that he wants to end treatment and be kept comfortable for the remainder of his life. His family is very upset and does not agree with his decision.
Both the patient and his family have confided their wishes to the nurse privately, and the family has asked the nurse to intervene. How would you classify the ethical dilemma that the nurse is experiencing?
a. Right to life
b. Informed consent
c. Right to die
d. Medical futility
Question 2
A nurse is working the night shift in the ICU. She notices cardiac alarms sounding for one of the patients, and on arriving to the patient's room, finds him in full cardiac arrest.
It is later determined that the patient's assigned nurse was at the front desk sleeping. The nurse realizes the important of reporting this issue but does not want to face backlash from her co-worker. Which describes what the nurse is experiencing?
a. Decision-making
b. Ethical dilemma
c. Preconceived beliefs
d. Discrimination