nhs-fpx4000-assessment-03-supplement-applying-ethical-principles-A
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Egerton University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
515
Subject
Health Science
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by mosyunlocks
Assessment 03 – Applying Ethical Principles
For this assessment, you will develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health
care professional. Before you complete the instructions detailed in the courseroom, first select
one of the ethical dilemmas below to be the focus of your assessment.
After you have selected one of the ethical dilemmas from below, return to the detailed
instructions in the courseroom to complete your assessment.
Case Study: End-of-Life Decision Making
Eleanor Thompson, a 72-year-old woman, has been battling an aggressive form of ovarian
cancer for the past three years. Despite undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and
radiation, her condition has deteriorated, and she is now experiencing severe pain and
suffering. Eleanor's oncologist, Dr. Samuel Martinez, has presented the family with the option of
another experimental treatment, but he has also suggested considering transitioning to palliative
care.
Eleanor's family is deeply divided on the decision. Her eldest daughter, Maria, believes that
every possible treatment should be pursued, holding onto hope for a miracle. She argues that
her mother has always been a fighter and would want to continue the battle against her illness.
On the other hand, Eleanor's son, Michael, feels that his mother has suffered enough. He
believes that transitioning to palliative care would allow her to spend her remaining days in
comfort and peace. Caught in the middle is Eleanor's husband of 50 years, Robert. He is torn
between wanting to honor his wife's fighting spirit, desiring to ease her pain, and the painful
finality of either decision.
The healthcare team must navigate a complex ethical landscape. Beneficence, the principle of
doing good, pushes the team to consider what would truly benefit Eleanor in terms of quality of
life. Non-maleficence, or "do no harm," raises questions about the potential suffering Eleanor
might endure with further aggressive treatments. Lastly, the principle of justice requires the
team to treat Eleanor fairly and equitably, ensuring her needs are met regardless of family
disagreements.
Case Study: Informed Consent and Cultural Competence
Dr. Emily Clark, a seasoned cardiologist at Mercy General Hospital, is presented with a
challenging case involving Mr. Rajan Patel, a 58-year-old man who recently immigrated from
India. Mr. Patel has been diagnosed with a significant heart condition that requires a surgical
procedure. While the surgery has a high success rate, like all medical procedures, it comes with
its own set of risks and benefits.
1
Mr. Patel, whose primary language is Gujarati, has limited proficiency in English. He nods and
smiles politely during consultations, giving Dr. Clark the impression that he understands.
However, when asked to explain the procedure back to her, it becomes evident that he does not
fully grasp the intricacies of the surgery or its potential complications.
Dr. Clark recognizes the importance of informed consent and wants to ensure that Mr. Patel
truly understands the procedure, its risks, and its benefits. She believes in the ethical principle
of autonomy, which dictates that every patient has the right to make decisions about their own
body and health. However, she also acknowledges the principle of beneficence, which compels
her to act in the best interest of her patient.
2
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help