KEY CONCEPTS
 -A caring perspective enhances the nurse’s ability to resolve ethical conflict in a contextual way.
 -Ethical theories, principles, rules, and values are important in the resolution of ethical conflicts in
community health nursing.
 -Analysis of any ethical issue must incorporate components of a decision-making process that allow for
resolution of the acknowledged conflict.
 -Six components are essential in any ethical decision-making model used to guide the resolution of ethical
dilemmas: (1) a means of determining those who are involved in the decision and the outcome; (2) a
means of gathering all relevant information; (3) a process for outlining potential options for resolving the
dilemma; (4) a process for resolving any conflict that arises; (5) a plan for implementing the selected
resolution to the dilemma; and (6) a means of evaluating the decision, the process, and the resolution.
 -Despite the development of the best possible database, complete data may not be available, and
disagreements regarding the facts may occur.
 -Both the direct and the indirect consequences of ethical decisions to all participants should receive
attention before a resolution is selected.
 -There are important distinctions among medical, legal, and ethical decisions.
 -A multidisciplinary approach to ethical conflicts lends broad support and diverse perspectives to attempts
at conflict resolution.
 -Limited resources affect ethical decisions as well as the nurse’s ability to provide optimal care.