Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What can be a result when choosing between two equal ethical possibilities?

1. Ethical dilemma

2. Moral distress

3. Ethical conflict

4. Ethical uncertainty

The correct answer is: Ethical conflict

Choosing between two equal ethical possibilities often leads to an ethical conflict. This scenario occurs when an individual is faced with two or more competing options that are equally justifiable from an ethical standpoint. Both possibilities may have valid reasons and strong ethical foundations, making the choice challenging. In this context, ethical conflict prompts deep reflection and consideration of values, principles, and consequences associated with each option. It encourages exploration of personal and professional beliefs, which is crucial in ethical decision-making. Such conflicts can be common in healthcare, where practitioners may find themselves weighing different patient rights, needs, or care decisions against each other. The other terms refer to different aspects of ethical decision-making. For instance, an ethical dilemma specifically involves a situation where one must choose between conflicting ethical principles, and moral distress relates to situations where individuals feel unable to act according to their ethical beliefs due to external constraints. Ethical uncertainty refers to confusion about which ethical principles apply to a situation. Each of these terms addresses different nuances of ethical issues, but ethical conflict specifically captures the essence of being torn between two equal ethical possibilities.