Two case studies are presented reflecting the ethical dilemmas experienced by nurses who were striving to improve their practice in the provision of patient care. The cases are described in the context of finding alternatives to cohesive interventions such as chemical restraints and physical restraints. A summary of the literature on ethical dilemmas that was relevant to the issues arising in these cases is included. Discussion of the use of the American Nursing Association's (ANA, 2001 ) Nursing Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements is highlighted for its relevance and support of the nurses experiencing the ethical dilemmas.