Ethics

Due to the complexities of critical care nursing, ethical considerations have become an integral part of care. As a direct result of conflicts within care, nurses are now more exposed to ethical dilemmas. Conflicts can arise from situations involving withholding treatment, deciding when the burdens of further therapeutic measures outweigh the benefits, limited resources, and deciding entry criteria to critical care units. Ethical issues can also arise from the usage of complicated technology, the vulnerability of patients and the complex decision-making processes.