Judy J. was first diagnosed at age 14 with an inoperable cancer. Specialists anticipated that she would not live to celebrate her 17th birthday, but conceded that it was possible, though unlikely, that she could live to her 21st birthday. The treatment options proposed are both painful and debilitating and there is no guarantee of additional years of life even if the more aggressive therapy is undertaken. In the alternative, palliative and comfort care measures will ease the symptoms, and Judy is projected to have a better quality, if not quantity of life. Judy's parents are torn between the decision of opting for more "humane" therapies that will keep their daughter comfortable in her final days or opting for the aggressive therapy that will hopefully ensure that their daughter will have an extended lifespan. They also feel that Judy, who is an excellent student and has many friends, should have some decision in what is finally decided. Applying the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, determine how you would begin to communicate with these parents and Judy. Should the concept of the mature minor be a part of this communication?
Judy J. was first diagnosed at age 14 with an inoperable cancer. Specialists anticipated that she would not live to celebrate her 17th birthday, but conceded that it was possible, though unlikely, that she could live to her 21st birthday. The treatment options proposed are both painful and debilitating and there is no guarantee of additional years of life even
if the more aggressive therapy is undertaken. In the alternative, palliative and comfort care measures will ease the symptoms, and Judy is projected to have a better quality, if not quantity of life.
Judy's parents are torn between the decision of opting for more "humane" therapies that will keep their daughter comfortable in her final days or opting for the aggressive therapy that will hopefully ensure that their daughter will have an extended lifespan. They also feel that Judy, who is an excellent student and has many friends, should have some decision in what is finally decided.
Applying the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, determine how you would begin to communicate with these parents and Judy. Should the concept of the mature minor be a part of this communication?
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