ETHICAL CHALLENGES AND DECISION MAKING IN PAEDIATRIC NURSING

Ethical challenges and decision-making in pediatric nursing present complex dilemmas due to the unique vulnerabilities of children, the involvement of families, and the evolving capacity of minors to participate in their own care. This chapter explores key ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—as they apply to pediatric nursing, emphasizing the tension between parental authority and the child’s best interests. Common ethical challenges include informed consent and assent, end-of-life care decisions, cultural and religious conflicts, resource allocation, and adolescent confidentiality. Research highlights that pediatric nurses frequently experience moral distress, particularly in cases involving treatment refusal, futile care, and disparities in healthcare access.