ESSAY : A child (minor) who requests discontinuation of painful/uncomfortable treatment

Preparing the assignment
Follow these guidelines when completing this assignment. Speak with your faculty member if you have questions.
1) An ethical dilemma with opposing positions will be assigned by your instructor.
2) Although you may not agree with one of the positions, reflect on your views, respect other perspectives, and
examine scholarly literature on both positions.
3) When faced with ethical dilemmas, nurses often find conflict or differences in values. It is important for nurses to
explore their own values in order to respect other’s values and differences. A section for self-reflection is included
in this assignment as the last page of the paper and it will not be graded for APA style.
4) Write a 3-5 page paper (not including the title page, reference page, and the reflection) using APA format.
5) Use this link to take you directly to the ANA website to access the Code of Ethics. When prompted, choose “No I do
not wish to register at this time. Take me to the Code now.” https://www.nursingworld.org/practicepolicy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/
6) For APA, formatting, or grammar assistance visit the APA Citation and Writing page in the online library.
7) Include the following sections (detailed criteria listed below and in the Grading Rubric):
a. Introduction -10 points/10%
• Description of the dilemma is clear.
• Statistical significance to Pediatric nursing is included.
• Pro and con positions of the dilemma are presented.
• A brief fictional case is used to illustrate the dilemma.
b. Ethical Principles -20 points/20%
• Brief description of ethical principles (may cite textbook).
• Applicable ethical principle(s) to support the pro position are used.
• Applicable ethical principle(s) to support the con position are used.
• Discussion of which, if any, ethical principles are in conflict with the opposing positions.
• Discussion supported by scholarly sources.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Decision-making in pediatric setting is often complex and marred by ethical dilemmas since it involves intermediaries like parents and guardians. When ethical dilemmas occur, there is always a best option that can be instituted to help avoid moral distress. One common ethical dilemma set to occur in this setting is a minor who opts to have painful or uncomfortable treatment discontinued. While the ethical principle of patient autonomy dictates that a patient has a right to make informed decisions regarding care, the principle may not apply for minors. Additionally, allowing the minor to discontinue treatment for being painful contravenes the ethical principle of beneficence…