In: Nursing
David, who has suffered from ALS for 20 years, is now hospitalized in a private religious hospital on a respirator. He spoke with his physician before he became incapacitated and asked that he be allowed to die if the suffering became too much for him. The physician agreed that, while he would not give David any drugs to assist a suicide, he would discontinue David's respirator if asked to do so. David has now indicated through a prearranged code of blinking eye movements that he wants the respirator discontinued. David had signed his living will before he became ill, indicating that he did not want extraordinary means keeping him alive. The nursing staff has alerted the hospital administrator about the impending discontinuation of the respirator. The administrator tells the physician that this is against the hospital's policy. She states that once a patient is placed on a respirator, the family must seek a court order to have him or her removed from this type of life support. In addition, it is against hospital policy to have any staff members present during such a procedure. After consulting with the family, the physician orders an ambulance to transport the patient back to his home, where the physician discontinues the life support.
V. Compare values and alternatives. Determine if there is one principle or value, or a combination of principles and values, that is so compelling that the proper alternative is clear.
VI. Assess the consequences. Identify short-term, long-term, positive, and negative consequences for the major alternatives. The short-term gain or loss is often overridden when long-term consequences are considered. This step often reveals an unanticipated result of major importance.
VII. Make a decision. The consequences are balanced against one’s primary principles or values. Always double-check your decision
V. Compare values and alternatives.
Determine if there is one principle or values
The major principle is that the hospital is run by a religious organization and it doesn't support assisted death of patients according to their policies. It is because of the religious beliefs and practices followed by them.
The value is dependent upon the patient who is looking for assistance with his condition. For some people it is a great gesture of compassion and kindness by not ending the life of someone for any reason.
But others belive that it is their own choice to make a decision in order to decide procedures like this. Both aspects has it's own merits and demerits.