What does the term "ethical dilemma" refer to?

The term "ethical dilemma" refers specifically to a situation in which a choice must be made between two or more conflicting ethical principles, making it challenging to determine the best course of action. In many cases, ethical dilemmas arise when an individual faces a conflict between moral imperatives that may lead to opposing outcomes, such as honesty versus loyalty, or autonomy versus beneficence. This complexity is what distinguishes ethical dilemmas from situations that have clear right and wrong answers, where the ethical choice is straightforward and unambiguous.

In the context of healthcare and the CNA role, ethical dilemmas often occur when the rights of patients must be balanced against professional responsibilities or institutional policies. Understanding this concept is crucial for CNAs, as they frequently encounter situations that require careful consideration of conflicting values and the potential impact of their decisions on patients and their families.

Scenarios that may involve legal consequences or debates about best practices in medicine, while significant, do not encapsulate the essence of an ethical dilemma as clearly as the conflict between ethical principles does. These situations can often be resolved through legal precedents or established guidelines rather than by navigating the grey areas of ethical reasoning.