Which approach best describes how you would handle an ethical dilemma in patient care?

• A. I avoided discussing the ethical issue with the patient to prevent distress.
• B. I identified the ethical issue, consulted guidelines and mentors, disclosed relevant information to the patient when appropriate, and implemented a plan that upheld patient autonomy and safety.
• C. I deferred the decision to the supervising clinician without discussing with the patient.
• D. I altered the plan solely based on personal beliefs.

Answer: (B)

Handling ethical dilemmas in patient care centers on recognizing the issue, seeking guidance, involving the patient when appropriate, and acting to protect both autonomy and safety. The best approach explicitly identifies the ethical tension and then uses evidence-based guidelines and mentors to inform the next steps, ensuring the plan respects the patient’s rights and well-being. By disclosing relevant information to the patient when appropriate, you support informed consent and shared decision-making, which honors autonomy. At the same time, implementing a plan that upholds both autonomy and safety aligns your actions with professional responsibilities and patient protection.

This approach is preferable to avoiding discussion, which can erode trust and undermine the patient’s right to participate; deferring decisions entirely to a supervising clinician without patient involvement bypasses essential patient-centered care; or altering the plan based solely on personal beliefs, which introduces bias and conflicts with professional duties.