Question

which of the following scenarios is an example of an ethical dilemma? a patient refuses further treatment for a serious illness. a patient is given the wrong medication. a patients family does not want a patient to be told their diagnosis. a medical assistant fails to collect an insurance copay at the time of service.

Explanation:

An ethical dilemma involves a conflict between two or more moral principles. In this case, the scenario pits the ethical duty of informed consent (telling the patient their diagnosis) against the family's wishes, creating a conflict of moral obligations. The other scenarios are either errors, refusals of care (a patient's autonomous choice without conflicting duties), or administrative oversights, not true ethical dilemmas.

Answer:

C. A patient's family does not want a patient to be told their diagnosis.