A Team of CHNs Disagree About the Appropriate Treatment for Mrs

A team of CHNs disagree about the appropriate treatment for Mrs. Mehta, who is likely an excellent candidate for hospice care. The first CHN says that deciding on care, rather than cure, is up to Mrs. Mehta, and no one else can decide for her. The second CHN says that it is the responsibility of the health care team to do what is best for Mrs. Mehta, and if the physician thinks there is still a possibility of cure, then the CHNs should do everything they can to implement the treatment plan. The third CHN says it is not fair for the family to expend all their resources on Mrs. Mehta, who is probably going to die in spite of the care provided by the health care team. What conclusions can be drawn from this dispute?

A) Ethical principles can conflict with each other.
B) The first CHN is correct because autonomy demands that the patient herself decide.
C) The second CHN is correct because professional health care providers profess or promise to always do the best for those under their care.
D) The third CHN is correct because utility demands the maximization of benefit for the majority.