Suppose you are a nurse working with a 75 year old patient who has a terminal...

Suppose you are a nurse working with a 75 year old patient who has a terminal illness: her condition will slowly destroy her muscle function until she is unable to swallow and becomes paralyzed. She is very close to becoming totally dependent on others now, and (because her mind is not affected) the patient requests that you inject her with overdose of pain medication to help her have a peaceful death and avoid the suffering and slow death the disease will otherwise give her.

You ask the doctor about this, and the doctor says: "It would be morally wrong for us to intentionally kill her like that. It would, however, be morally permissible for us to withhold food and water to help her die if she wants to do that."

In 2 to 6 short paragraphs, explain how James Rachels would respond to the doctor's ideas. Be sure to explain fully whether and why Rachels would agree with the doctor's ideas. (You don't have to explain whether you agree with Rachels - just explain what he would say in response to the doctor.)

Solutions

Expert Solution

Nightingale answered 1 year ago

Next > < Previous

Related Solutions

You are a nurse working in the Emergency Department (ED) and caring for a 75-year-old woman...

You are a nurse working in the Emergency Department (ED) and caring for a 75-year-old woman who arrived via ambulance after falling at home. She tells you she slipped on a rug and hurt her wrist trying to brace herself from the fall. You notice an obvious deformity of her right wrist. Her current weight is 90 pounds; she admits to smoking a half a pack of cigarettes a day for the past 45 years, and drinks 1 alcoholic drink...

You are a nurse working in the Emergency Department (ED) and caring for a 75-year-old woman...

You are the nurse taking care of Mr. Case, a 75-year-old patient newly diagnosed with colon...

You are the nurse taking care of Mr. Case, a 75-year-old patient newly diagnosed with colon cancer. Mr. Case’s pain has been severe, and he has been taking narcotics for pain management. He feels weak and tired, has no energy or appetite, and is unable to keep his weight up. Mr. Case has had great difficulty moving his bowels; when he does, it is very painful. He is oozing a small amount of stool from his rectum. Mr. Case is...

consider that you are a nurse working with a patient who is from a differnt cultrual...

consider that you are a nurse working with a patient who is from a differnt cultrual and ethnic background from your own. Explain how you could translate the concept of cultural competency into practice. Do not forget the ethical considerations.

A nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who was admitted to the hospital with a...

A nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of dehydration. The patient stated he had been vomiting for 2 days and had been unable to take food or fluids. He has been healthy and currently takes only a diuretic for his blood pressure. On physical examination, the nurse notes that the patient’s skin is dry with decreased turgor, oral mucous membranes are dry, heart rate is 100, and blood pressure is...

A nurse is caring for a 68-year-old male patient who is reporting SOB. He has a...

A nurse is caring for a 68-year-old male patient who is reporting SOB. He has a history of HTN, DM, emphysema, and was a heavy smoker for 25 years. 21. List at least three assessment findings the nurse should expect to assess in this client while performing INSPECTION. 22. What method of breathing can the nurse suggest the patient use in order to promote carbon dioxide expiration? Explain the process of how to perform this method. When performing a respiratory...

A nurse is planning care for a morbidly obese 75-year-old adult patient with a Stage I...

A nurse is planning care for a morbidly obese 75-year-old adult patient with a Stage I pressure ulcer on the sacral area and a mid-line abdominal incision that requires a wet to dry dressing change. The patient has a history of diabetes mellitus (DM), anemia, and arterial insufficiency. The patient has an indwelling catheter due to frequent incontinence and has limited mobility. The doctor has ordered a sterile urine specimen to be collected. (20 points each) · Identify the steps the...

A 75-year-old patient has a new prescription for corticosteroid therapy.

CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISESA 75-year-old patient has a new prescription for corticosteroid therapy. Describe the assessment techniques appropriate to evaluate the patient and the use of the medication. What instructions should you provide regarding precautions to take related to corticosteroid therapy? How will your assessment and instructions differ if the patient is disoriented?

Case Studies, Medications You are a nurse caring for a 47-year-old patient who is homeless. He...

Case Studies, Medications You are a nurse caring for a 47-year-old patient who is homeless. He is admitted to your unit two to three times per year. His medical history includes diabetes mellitus (type 2), hypertension, and alcoholism. After extensive hygienic interventions (to decrease his body odor, wash his hair, and perform oral care), you complete your assessment and find that he is not in compliance with any of his dietary and medication instructions from his last admission. Considering his...

You are a student nurse assigned to a 57 year old male patient has come to...

You are a student nurse assigned to a 57 year old male patient has come to medical ward to have treatment due to mild to severe cramping in his abdomen and bloody stool. Your initial findings include a mildly obese man who demonstrate guarding of his abdomen especially the left lower quadrant. His vital signs are 168/98, 119,24, 38 degree Celsius and is slightly diaphoretic. He reported periodic constipation. He has had previous episodes of abdominal cramping, but this time...

Subjects