Resolution of an ethical dilemma involves discussion with the patient, the patient's family, and participants from all health care disciplines. Which statement describes the role of the nurse?

• A. To articulate his or her unique point of view, including knowledge based on clinical and psychosocial observations
• B. To decide the outcome alone
• C. To abstain from contributing personal views
• D. To defer to the physician's decision

Answer: (A)

When resolving ethical dilemmas in a collaborative care planning process, each team member brings a vital, patient-centered perspective. The nurse is uniquely positioned to bridge clinical data with the patient’s lived experience, including family dynamics, cultural values, and psychosocial factors that influence how care is received and what outcomes are truly acceptable.

Therefore, the nurse’s role is to articulate her unique point of view, grounded in observations from the bedside—clinical findings, daily functioning, pain and symptom experiences, and the patient’s and family’s goals and concerns. This helps the team see not only what is medically possible but also what aligns with the patient’s values, quality of life, and practical realities, guiding decisions that are both ethically sound and feasible.

This differs from deciding outcomes alone, which ignores the collaborative nature of ethical deliberation; abstaining from contributing personal views misses essential context that could affect patient well-being; and deferring to the physician’s decision overrides the interprofessional process that safeguards patient-centered care.