In ethical decision making, which step comes immediately after gathering factual data?

In ethical decision making, which step comes immediately after gathering factual data?

• A. Identify and evaluate options
• B. Make decisions
• C. Act and assess
• D. Identify and clarify the ethical problem

Answer: (A)

After gathering factual data, the next move is to map out possible actions and evaluate them. This means identifying the available options and examining their potential outcomes, how well they align with ethical principles, professional standards, and the patient’s values. By weighing benefits, harms, duties, and rights for each alternative, you can determine which course of action is most ethically sound before deciding and acting. It’s typical to clarify and frame the ethical problem earlier in the process, so this step comes after data collection but before making a choice or taking action.

After gathering factual data, the next move is to map out possible actions and evaluate them. This means identifying the available options and examining their potential outcomes, how well they align with ethical principles, professional standards, and the patient’s values. By weighing benefits, harms, duties, and rights for each alternative, you can determine which course of action is most ethically sound before deciding and acting. It’s typical to clarify and frame the ethical problem earlier in the process, so this step comes after data collection but before making a choice or taking action.