Which of the following is NOT considered an ethical dilemma that nurses might face preoperatively?

The scenario involving determining if a minor should have surgery without parental consent is not considered an ethical dilemma for nurses in the preoperative setting because consent regulations regarding minors are generally well established within healthcare law and ethics. In most jurisdictions, a minor typically requires parental or guardian consent for surgical procedures, reflecting the legal and ethical standards that prioritize the protection and best interests of children.

In contrast, the other scenarios present challenges that require careful ethical consideration. Family disagreements about treatment decisions, such as consent for a below-knee amputation, involve ethical considerations regarding autonomy, family dynamics, and the patient's rights. The decision to place a patient on a ventilator raises questions about the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, balancing the benefits of mechanical support against the potential burdens on the patient. Assessing a patient’s capacity for informed consent delves into ethical principles surrounding autonomy and informed decision-making, necessitating an evaluation of the patient's ability to understand and consent to treatment.

Thus, the option regarding a minor and parental consent is less ethically complex within the established framework of healthcare practices compared to the other situations presented, which require nuanced ethical reasoning and consideration of multiple factors.