What is moral distress and how can it be addressed in practice?

• A. Moral distress is a form of emotional discomfort experienced by clinicians when they are prevented from acting on what they believe is right.
• B. Moral distress means a lack of empathy for patients.
• C. Moral distress only occurs in novice clinicians.
• D. Moral distress occurs when clinicians know the right action but are constrained; address via ethics consults, debriefing, supportive policies, and staff training.

Answer: (D)