Ethical dilemma in nursing care for patients with limited mobility

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20251702

Keywords:

Bioethics, Pressure Ulcer, Nursing Care, Limitation of mobility, Case Reports

Abstract

This article analyzes the ethical dilemma in nursing care for patients with limited mobility through a case study. The limitation of mobility in bedridden patients leads to the development of pressure ulcers. A case is presented of a 53-year-old man who, on the sixth day of hospitalization for a femur fracture that caused limited mobility, developed a grade II pressure ulcer during his course of care. Methodology: The information for this work was obtained through a case report, using a descriptive cross-sectional study with an observational study factor and a prospective chronology. Results: The violation of several bioethical principles was identified: justice for the inequality in the allocation of resources, beneficence for the omission of basic care, non-maleficence for the unnecessary suffering caused and autonomy for not allowing the patient to express his or her needs for preventive actions. Discussion: The violation of bioethical principles in the hospital setting involves a transgression of the essential values guiding medical ethics, and this violation is more common than often believed. Conclusion: The breach of bioethical principles can have negative consequences for both patients and families, making it crucial to implement preventive measures to avoid complications.

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Published

2025-06-01

How to Cite

1.
Acosta Nuñez JM, Llerena Cruz CA, Cumbajin Montatixe ME, Abril Beltrán RE, Parrales Villacreses VJ, López López CK, et al. Ethical dilemma in nursing care for patients with limited mobility. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 1 [cited 2025 Jun. 21];5:1702. Available from: https://sct.ageditor.ar/index.php/sct/article/view/1702