Health Care Ethical Dilemmas

Many adults and/or competent persons are presumed to be responsible enough to address matters concerning their healthcare needs. What occurs when the patient is a child? Do children have the right to decide? Children are usually viewed as incompetent and not fully aware of what is in their best interest. Children are dependent on their “guardians” to make responsible, safeguard judgements on the child’s behalf. The ethical dilemma afflicting the healthcare team is one that develops when they are faced with the challenge of parental preference or child well-being. This dilemma emerges when the “guardian” appears to not have the best interest for the child. Many issues arise due to cultural differences, preferences in care, quality of life and
Although, minor’s under 18 years of age may lack maturity, experience and the capability to make sound judgements that require a competent adult to make decisions for the minor. Are the child’s wishes dismissed? Does the child have no say to their medical care or treatment? Many minors are usually considered not deemed eligible to make competent decisions regarding their medical care but should the healthcare professionals disregard the preferences the child may have? If the “best interest” of the child is to preserve life, relieve suffering, and restore function, shouldn’t the healthcare team intervene without jeopardizing the well-being of the
Patients have the moral and legal right to determine what will be done with their own person; to be given accurate, complete, and understandable information in a manner that facilitates an informed judgment; to be assisted with weighing the benefits, burdens, and available options in their treatment, including the choice of no treatment; to accept, refuse, or terminate treatment without deceit, undue influence, duress, coercion, or penalty; and to be given necessary support throughout the decision-making and treatment process.” (ANA, 2001) Therefore, nurses and healthcare professionals must make it imperative to examine the minor’s and parents/ guardians ability to comprehend the care and treatment when determining the involvement in