An Ethical Dilemma; Telling Patients the Truth about his/her Serious Condition

The application of four ethical principles and basic ethical concepts become an essential part of medical practices since advancement in medical sciences. Ethical problems usually arise in the clinical practice, originate from clashes between obligations of respect for autonomy on one side, and obligations of beneficence and non-beneficence on the other. The health care professionals have obligations to do better for their clients and have to weigh the beneficence against possible harms and trouble. It is argued that telling the real situation and condition to the patient will make them disappointed and confused, and in such bad situation or condition information regarding their health status should be hidden from patient. Therefore, before telling the terminally ill patient about his/her condition, the nurse need to balance her decision in the light of ethical principles, professional obligations, and human rights.