75-year-old woman with a diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer

Sample Solution

    Ethical awareness is the practice of being aware of ethical dilemmas, utilizing sensitivity to ethical issues, and acting with integrity when faced with a difficult decision. In applying ethical awareness to the scenario of Mrs. Duncan, it is important for her nurse to have knowledge of the various principles that are applicable. These include justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and autonomy.

Justice states that all individuals deserve equal access to healthcare and should be treated fairly regardless of race, creed or gender. In this case, Mrs. Duncan’s nurse must ensure that she receives appropriate care according to her wishes as expressed before her cognitive decline or if unable to do so then by following an Advanced Directive already in place (or if one does not exist then consulting her family). Beneficence requires nurses to act in the best interests of their patients and take actions which will maximize benefit while minimizing risk or harm; thus in applying this principle it would be necessary for Mrs. Duncan’s nurse consult any available information regarding treatment options together with speaking with physicians about any potential risks associated with each possible course of action so that they can make an informed decision about what is best for their patient. Nonmaleficence means ‘do no harm’ – thus ensuring that any intervention carries minimal risk but maximizes benefit; therefore whatever proposal chosen should actively promote well-being rather than worsen the situation either medically or psychologically (e..g providing emotional support during treatment) . Autonomy refers respectively respecting patient self-determination; here it would mean honoring Mrs Duncan's wishes as expressed before her cognitive decline unless it was determined unsafe for instance due to a severe infection requiring immediate medical attention - however even at this point decisions involving life-threatening interventions such as CPR/DNR etc., should only be undertaken after discussion between healthcare professionals and family members including consideration also provided by other experts such as palliative care specialists whenever possible. Applying moral awareness in this case also involves recognizing where ethical tensions may arise within families due conflict over life-saving measures especially if there has been disagreement on certain topics previously discussed by all parties involved i nthe past OR whether some family members are more emotionally attached than others leading them expressing more aggressive opinions than intended out of fear over losing their loved one too soon without having had chance say goodbye properly etc.. It is therefore important then they receive proper support from medical staff who can provide objective opinion based on scientific evidence rather than personal feelings related to prognosis . Hereby providing balance between individual autonomy & communal responsibility aiming always towards honoring each person's last wishes whatever disagreements may occur beforehand among family members whichever way decision eventually goes since ultimately key concern must remain protecting wellbeing & rights every client throughout journey end even until very end...