Introduction Nurses have to face various ethical dilemmas every day of their clinical practice. One of the major dilemmas is related to the principle of respect for patient autonomy as nurses try to provide the most effective care while patients may have their needs and perspectives concerning the treatment offered or provided (Cole, Wellard, & Mummery, 2014). The ethical dilemma is often associated with mental and palliative care as the populations involved are specifically vulnerable. However, the balance between the nurse control and patient autonomy is an ethical issue in acute care as well (Bull & Sorlie, 2014). For example, the use of the respirator when addressing an acute condition in a patient suffering from a chronic lung disease. The relationship between the nurse and the patient should be developed with the focus on the patient health outcomes and the provision of the most appropriate care. This paper examines the way the ethical dilemma is addressed in the American society and includes some personal considerations on the matter. Defining the Ethical Dilemma First, it is necessary to identify what the ethical dilemma is and its effects on nursing. Brodtkorb, Skisland, Slettebo, and Skaar (2014) refer to the ethical dilemma as the availability of “two or more possible solutions between which are difficult to choose” (p. 7). One of the illustrations of such dilemmas is the situation when a patient refuses to undergo some procedures. For instance, in mental or palliative care, patients are often affected by delirium or can have chronic mental disorders that affect their ability to make important decisions (Hem, Gjerberg, Husum, & Pedersen, 2016). In many countries including the United States, coercion is legally and morally accepted in such cases, which leads to a considerable restriction of patient autonomy. Thus, nurses have to decide whether they exercise their control and make their patients follow the necessary guidelines or they respect their patients’ right to choose even if this decision can lead to negative health outcomes. Main Moral Issues The moral issues involved in the case in question are closely related to the domain of the relationships between the patient and the nurse (Baykara, Demir, & Yaman, 2014). The patient should trust in the nurse’s expertise to be able to make a well-thought decision. In many cases, patients lack trust in nurses, as well as the entire system, which makes them less cooperative. Nurses also experience moral stress as they are often unsure in their own decisions. The respect for autonomy is often in conflict with the most beneficial treatment, and nurses often hesitate as they try to take into account patients’ desires (Tuominen, Leino-Kilpi, & Suhonen, 2014). The lack of confidence is increased due to nursing professionals’ own moral principles and religious beliefs. Bioethical Principles Involved Principle of Respect for Autonomy The ethical dilemma in question is mainly associated with such principles as respect for autonomy and beneficence. When the patient refuses to use a respirator, the nurse has to respect the patients’ choice and their autonomy. The patient may have certain fears, beliefs, and