Pick a case then identify the ethical issue, what is the ethical code(s) and principle(s). What is your best course of action and how you attend to relational ethics?
ANSWER
Case:
A 75-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. She has a history of dementia and is currently under the care of her daughter. The woman’s daughter tells the doctor that her mother does not want to be intubated or resuscitated if she goes into cardiac arrest.
Ethical Issue:
The ethical issue in this case is whether or not to respect the patient’s autonomy and withhold life-sustaining treatment, even if it means that she may die.
Ethical Code(s) and Principle(s):
The relevant ethical code(s) and principle(s) in this case are:
Autonomy: The principle of autonomy states that patients have the right to make their own decisions about their medical care, even if those decisions are not in their best interests.
Beneficence: The principle of beneficence states that healthcare professionals have a duty to act in the best interests of their patients.
Nonmaleficence: The principle of nonmaleficence states that healthcare professionals have a duty to avoid harming their patients.
Best Course of Action:
The best course of action in this case is to respect the patient’s autonomy and withhold life-sustaining treatment, even if it means that she may die. The principle of autonomy is one of the most important principles in medical ethics, and it should be respected whenever possible.
Relational Ethics:
Relational ethics is an approach to ethics that emphasizes the importance of relationships and the interconnectedness of all people. In this case, the relational ethics perspective would suggest that the doctor should consider the patient’s relationships with her daughter and other loved ones when making a decision about her care. The doctor should also consider the impact that her decision will have on the patient’s quality of life.
How to Attend to Relational Ethics:
To attend to relational ethics in this case, the doctor should:
Build trust and rapport with the patient and her family.
Listen carefully to their concerns and values.
Help them to understand the medical options available and the potential risks and benefits of each option.
Support the patient and her family in making a decision that is consistent with her values and wishes.
The doctor should also be prepared to have difficult conversations with the patient and her family about the patient’s prognosis and the possibility of death. The doctor should be compassionate and respectful of the patient’s and her family’s emotions.