Final answer:
Nurses generally cannot initiate medical procedures without a physician's order, as doctors have more authority in medical settings. Ethical dilemmas may arise when nurses or patients disagree with medical directives based on personal beliefs or principles. The nurse's role involves executing orders from physicians while also applying their nursing expertise within ethical and professional boundaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Typically, nurses cannot independently decide that a specific procedure is required and initiate the procedure without an order or medical directive from a physician. The relationship between doctors and nurses is such that doctors usually have more authority in medical settings and make the decisions regarding patient care, including ordering specific tests or procedures. Nurses then execute those orders while also applying their own expertise in patient care. Situations that fall outside of standardized protocols or emergency circumstances might allow for some level of nurse autonomy, but in general, procedures require a physician's order. In cases where ethical dilemmas arise, such as a nurse disagreeing with a doctor's orders based on their own beliefs or professional standards, the nurse may face a complex situation. For instance, research by Martin and Bull (2008) and subsequent studies by Burger (2009) and Doliński et al. (2017) highlighted how individuals often defer to authority, even when it contradicts their own principles. These studies echo the findings of the famous Milgram experiment, showing the powerful influence of authority figures. Similarly, ethical concerns may arise when patients decide against medical procedures, such as in the case of MRSA decolonization. Questions regarding patient autonomy versus public health responsibility emerge, challenging healthcare professionals to balance individual rights with the safety of the broader patient community.