Ethical Dilemma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Ethical Dilemma - Essay Example er will analyse such a dilemma in a particular case of Juana, a pregnant lady who refused blood transfusion due to religious beliefs and eventually died. In the light of case, if code of ethics provided by American Nurses Association is analysed, one can clearly see that autonomy and choice of treatment of a patient is given preference (ANA, 2001). Like if a patient refuses blood transfusion even in a critical scenario, the choice of patient would be respected. However in few states like in Illinois, the Supreme Court has intervened to take legal measures to give priority to save 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 which is not in conflict to her/ his beliefs keeping in view that patient is not intentional harmed. 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). Analysing the case with 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 patient and fetus had been compromised. The nursing staff had followed the code of ethics given by 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 ever make her repent. People have emotional associations with their beliefs and values that must be respected. But one can disagree with the decision the patient and her family (husband) as beliefs are only perceptions and they are not more valuable than the human life. It could be possible to take immediate help of a bishop provide guidance in case of severe