The Nursing Dilemma
Using a Microsoft Word document, record your responses to the critical thinking questions based on the scenario provided. Each response should be original (in your own words) and a minimum of 2–3 sentences in length.
Scenario
A military RN is ordered to force-feed a terrorist prisoner while they are undergoing interrogation. The prisoner is on a hunger strike protesting their capture and highlighting his cause. The nurse is to ensure the prisoner remains hydrated and fed so they can provide information and do not starve. The nurse is torn. On the one hand, the nurse has a strong loyalty to the military objective of ensuring public safety by uncovering terrorist plots and fear of reprisal if orders are disobeyed. Yet, the nurse is appalled at overriding a patient’s wishes by force-feeding him.
Male RN in Military Uniform
Critical Thinking Questions
Is this an ethical dilemma or a moral dilemma?
What ethical principles are in contention? How?
Are there any virtues at risk? Whose? Why?
What justifies overriding an individual’s autonomy to make his own choices?
How does the Code of Ethics guide the nurse in invoking conscientious objection?
What lessons can be learned from this nurse’s dilemma?
Sample Solution
This situation presents both an ethical and a moral dilemma for the nurse. On one hand, there is a professional obligation to uphold the sanctions of their superiors when it comes to orders given in service of national security; while on the other hand, there is a moral responsibility to protect the autonomy of individuals and respect their wishes.
Ethically speaking, this tension between two loyalties raises questions about beneficence versus non-maleficence, autonomy versus paternalism, fidelity versus justice, and veracity versus privacy.
The virtues at risk in this case include integrity for both parties involved: the patient must be afforded dignity and respect no matter what his beliefs are or what crime he has committed; yet also loyalty to state authority that entrusts military nurses with an important public safety mission. Respecting individual autonomy implies allowing patients make informed decisions about their own care; however in this case overriding such choice can be justified by invoking greater good principles as force-feeding preserves life necessary not only for interrogation but also out of humanitarian considerations.
In light of these tensions between competing values, it is necessary to refer back to established codes of conduct (such as those provided by American Nurses Association) which provide guidance on how far a nurse is allowed to exercise conscientious objection when professionally obligated duties come into conflict with personal convictions or ethical code. In this instance forcing food upon a prisoner could indicate lack of respect towards fellow human being’s right to choose medical treatment -which would constitute violation against Code 2D (respecting patients rights).
Ultimately nurses need to cultivate an attitude that allows them remain grounded in moral compass regardless circumstances they face in service –whether they feel pulled by obligations owed allegiance or allegiance due compassion. This entails constantly searching within self instead letting external influences dictate course action; seeking strength will power needed stand up against unfairness while still discharging duties diligently without compromising integrity or credibility own profession. Developing balance between following rules while defending individual freedom can provide lessons learned from nurse’s dilemmas which might help future practitioners navigate similar conflicts more effectively