A patient is in a coma that appears irreversible. His mother, who is his surroga

Question

A patient is in a coma that appears irreversible. His mother, who is his surrogate, firmly believes that he will recover and that God is taking a hand to work a miracle if everyone will just wait long enough. She wants everything done for the patient, including resuscitation if he arrests. She insists that he stay in the hospital, and is very upset that he was transferred out of the ICU and his care was moved to comfort measures, rather than aggressive treatment. The mother does not speak English and is strong in her religious beliefs. The physicians for the patient are very upset and concerned about continuing to provide care that they believe is futile. The patient is developing a serious pneumonia, and the mother wants it treated aggressively. The physicians are reluctant. Analyze this case from the ethical principles of justice, benevolence, non-malfeasance, and autonomy. Discuss TED talk on ethics and what it means.

Explanation / Answer

Justice, benevolence,non-malfeasance,and autonomy are the four major ethical principles of health care.Health care professionals has to face multiple challenges and he/she has to undergo good ethical decision making process.Health care professionals especially nurses should apply ethical principles according to the situation meanwhile the laws and orders of government should also be considered.

Analysing the situation:

The major problem arises here is whether the treatment has to be continued aggresively as per mother's wish or continuing treatment with comfort measures irrespective of the beliefs of mother.

In this situation there is a conflict between what is right and what is wrong.Health care professinals particularly nurses must be truthful and honest.In the above situation the haelth care professionals is in dilemma.Giving aggresive treatment without needs will not improve patient condition.Taking, of such decision lead to delay of future treatment plan.while in other angle patient's mother decision about treatment plan must also taken into consideration so the therapeautic relationship is maintained.

Autonomy:

   The health care providers must be truthful to the patient's family members and to respect the choice of treatment plan.In this situation the health care providers must give proper information about the patient condition and the number of choices available for the improvement of the health condition.ANA code of ethics states the nurse's primary commitment is with patient. Here patient is unable to make their decision,so health care providers has to do the best.

Beneficence and Non-maleficence:

   The ethical priciples of beneficence says that health care professionals treat the patient in a way that provides maximum benefit.Whereas non-maleficence says health care staff has to avoid causing any harm to the patient.This shows the responsibility of health care professionals to protect their patients.

Justice:

   Particularly, in health care industry,that all individuals have equal right in seeking health care and in plan of care.According to ANA code of ethics,states, the nurse must promote and advocate for and make an effort to protect health safety and rights.so in this situation the health care providers decide based on patient safety and rights.

conclusion:

   In this case, we can analyse the situation and use the ethical principles to make good decision.The primary physician who is taking care of patient has to take final decision to the best of his choice which give possible solution in favor of patient.Giving proper information to the patient mother and treating patient with her willingness will reduce further problem.

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