Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

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Determining the best treatment for a terminally ill patient represents an ethical dilemma because it involves navigating complex decisions that weigh the potential benefits and burdens of treatment options. In such cases, healthcare providers must consider various factors, including the patient's quality of life, the autonomy of the patient in making healthcare choices, and the medical team's obligations to provide care that aligns with ethical principles. Patients in terminal situations often face difficult choices that may conflict with the best medical advice or the desires of family members, creating a scenario where differing values and the implications of decisions must be carefully evaluated.

In contrast, the other options do not present ethical dilemmas to the same extent. Issues regarding consent forms not being signed may highlight procedural deficiencies, but they do not inherently pose a moral conflict. Finding supplemental resources is a logistical challenge rather than a moral quandary. Reporting medication errors is a matter of professional responsibility and safety protocols, emphasizing accountability rather than an ethical conflict.

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