Question

The Case of Nancy Cruzan

First, identify the ethical dilemma. Then respond to Steps 1, 3, 4, and 5 of the Framework for Ethical Decision Making. You may wish to use the worksheet that includes prompts for what to include at each step. The steps to evaluate are:

STEP 1: Identify ethical issue(s)

STEP 3: Consider at least two options to address the dilemma

STEP 4: Weigh and evaluate the potential options (do not need to do 4a).

STEP 5: Decide and act. What is your decision, and why?

Answer 1

The ethical dilemma in this case is who is supposed to take a decision on behalf of an incompetent patient .If the decisions taken by the patient relative or parents ,will it be ethical in regards to  the principle of autonomy for patient who is in a vegetative state .

The ethical issues are

• To sustain or remove life saving support
• Person who is supposed to take medical decision for a patient who is unsound .

3.The better way to address the dillema are

• Getting legal concerns after thorough investigation on the case.
• Discussion with the immediate family members and getting consent

4.The potential option to do in this case are

• A complete patient analysis and description on the case since admission and the prognosis state(This can help to make decision what will benefit the patient most)

5.The decision in these types of cases is to pass an act regarding the care of the patient who are in persistent vegetative state. The patient who cannot verbalise will undergo all the same bodily changes like a patient who is competent. They may also experience the symptoms related to pain, hunger ,integumentary changes ,etc., but they don't perceive it or expresses it because of the loss of nervous function .Hence a patient suffering an unknown painful incident, on the ground of principle of beneficence can be ceased out off life support .