The concept of individual autonomy, although generally valued in the abstract, is often negated in nursing practice. This is particularly true when the client's physical being is controlled by health care practitioners within an intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The concept of autonomy when applied to American health care practices clearly acknowledges in custom and law the right of the client to determine what treatment is acceptable and under what conditions. This article identifies some of the ethical dilemmas that arise in ICU settings and by a case example elucidates the implications for nursing practice.
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