title: Competency after a suicide attempt: an ethical reflection.
abstract: The provision of critical care services can be complicated by ethical problems involving competency. When a patient's competency is in doubt there is conflict between the principles of autonomy and paternalism. The authors describe an ethical situation involving attempted suicide and administration of chemical restraints where the patient's competency was in doubt.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Pinch
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Dougherty
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D032763:Behavior Control; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D024802:Nurse's Role; D026706:Paternalism; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives