Ethics and the pediatric perioperative nurse (continuing education credit)

1. Nurses encounter a number of ethical issues specific to the pediatric patient; however, they participate in surgical procedures that are the result of decisions made elsewhere, and in which they have little or no input. Nurses may believe that decisions are based on the best interest of the decision makers, and not the best interest of the patient. 2. Ethical problems often occur when one asks oneself the question, "What should I do?" Ethical problems exist when available facts and information do not make it clear what must be done and uncertainty prevails about which action to choose. 3. By using a rational approach to the resolution of ethical dilemmas, decisions based on emotions and incomplete information can be avoided. The nurse must identify these issues, act on them, and evaluate results. The evaluation of actions will assist nurses in developing an understanding of ethical decision making and its application to practice issues on a regular basis.