54. A 24-year-old man with advanced AIDS develops severe Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly P. carinil) pneumonia that necessitates mechanical ventilation. He has signed an advance directive stating that he does not want to be on a ventilator. His family insists that mechanical ventilation be initiated. Which of the following is the most appropriate action by the physician? A) Call the hospital attorney for advice B) Comply with the family's wishes and begin mechanical ventilation for the patient C) Comply with the family's wishes by trying to persuade the patient to accept mechanical ventilation D) Comply with the patient's original wishes as outlined in the advance directive E) Start mechanical ventilation for the patient and consult the hospital ethics committee for advice on how to proceed

Phlebotomy Essentials
6th Edition
ISBN:9781451194524
Author:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)
Publisher:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)
Chapter1: Phlebotomy: Past And Present And The Healthcare Setting
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Medical Ethics Case Study: Advance Directives and Family Wishes

**Case:**
A 24-year-old man with advanced AIDS develops severe Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly P. carinii) pneumonia necessitating mechanical ventilation. The patient has signed an advance directive stating that he does not want to be placed on a ventilator. However, his family insists that mechanical ventilation be initiated. The physician needs to decide the most appropriate course of action.

**Question:**
Which of the following is the most appropriate action by the physician?

**Options:**
- A) Call the hospital attorney for advice
- B) Comply with the family’s wishes and begin mechanical ventilation for the patient
- C) Comply with the family’s wishes by trying to persuade the patient to accept mechanical ventilation
- D) Comply with the patient’s original wishes as outlined in the advance directive
- E) Start mechanical ventilation for the patient and consult the hospital ethics committee for advice on how to proceed

**Explanation:**
In this scenario, healthcare professionals must carefully weigh ethical considerations, legal directives, and patient autonomy. Advance directives are legal documents stating a patient's preferences for medical treatment if they are unable to make decisions for themselves. They form the basis of respecting patient autonomy even when family members have differing wishes.

**Discussion Points for Educational Purposes:**
1. **Advance Directives:**
   - Importance and implications in patient care.
   - How advance directives guide physicians in respecting patient autonomy.

2. **Ethical Principles:**
   - Autonomy: Respecting the patient's wishes as legally documented.
   - Beneficence vs. Non-maleficence: Balancing the benefits and harm in treatment decisions.
   - Role of family input in patient care, especially when it conflicts with documented patient wishes.

3. **Legal Considerations:**
   - The legal binding nature of advance directives.
   - Physician’s responsibilities in upholding patient directives.

4. **Role of Ethics Committees:**
   - How and when to involve hospital ethics committees in resolving conflicts.
   - Procedures for consulting legal advisors in complex cases.

### Conclusion
The most appropriate action is option D: **Comply with the patient’s original wishes as outlined in the advance directive.**

This ensures that the patient's autonomy and legal rights are respected, providing ethically and legally sound medical care according to the patient's documented preferences.
Transcribed Image Text:### Medical Ethics Case Study: Advance Directives and Family Wishes **Case:** A 24-year-old man with advanced AIDS develops severe Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly P. carinii) pneumonia necessitating mechanical ventilation. The patient has signed an advance directive stating that he does not want to be placed on a ventilator. However, his family insists that mechanical ventilation be initiated. The physician needs to decide the most appropriate course of action. **Question:** Which of the following is the most appropriate action by the physician? **Options:** - A) Call the hospital attorney for advice - B) Comply with the family’s wishes and begin mechanical ventilation for the patient - C) Comply with the family’s wishes by trying to persuade the patient to accept mechanical ventilation - D) Comply with the patient’s original wishes as outlined in the advance directive - E) Start mechanical ventilation for the patient and consult the hospital ethics committee for advice on how to proceed **Explanation:** In this scenario, healthcare professionals must carefully weigh ethical considerations, legal directives, and patient autonomy. Advance directives are legal documents stating a patient's preferences for medical treatment if they are unable to make decisions for themselves. They form the basis of respecting patient autonomy even when family members have differing wishes. **Discussion Points for Educational Purposes:** 1. **Advance Directives:** - Importance and implications in patient care. - How advance directives guide physicians in respecting patient autonomy. 2. **Ethical Principles:** - Autonomy: Respecting the patient's wishes as legally documented. - Beneficence vs. Non-maleficence: Balancing the benefits and harm in treatment decisions. - Role of family input in patient care, especially when it conflicts with documented patient wishes. 3. **Legal Considerations:** - The legal binding nature of advance directives. - Physician’s responsibilities in upholding patient directives. 4. **Role of Ethics Committees:** - How and when to involve hospital ethics committees in resolving conflicts. - Procedures for consulting legal advisors in complex cases. ### Conclusion The most appropriate action is option D: **Comply with the patient’s original wishes as outlined in the advance directive.** This ensures that the patient's autonomy and legal rights are respected, providing ethically and legally sound medical care according to the patient's documented preferences.
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