When a nurse encounters a conflict of interest, disclosing the conflict and taking steps to mitigate bias is the appropriate and ethical response. This action demonstrates a commitment to transparency and helps maintain the trust and integrity of the nurse-patient relationship.
By disclosing the conflict, the nurse ensures that all parties involved are aware of the potential influence that could affect clinical decision-making, patient care, or the evaluation of patient outcomes. Taking steps to mitigate bias further emphasizes the nurse's responsibility to provide impartial care. This may involve seeking guidance from a supervisor, reassessing the situation, or involving a third party to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the patient without undue influence.
Other actions like ignoring the conflict could lead to compromised patient care and professional integrity, while discussing the conflict with patients may not always be appropriate or necessary, especially if the conflict does not directly affect them. Reporting it only if requested undermines the proactive approach needed to handle conflicts of interest effectively, as these situations should be addressed openly and consistently, rather than waiting for external prompts.