When the Jonsen, Siegler, Winslade “4 Topics” Model of ethical decision is applied to the case of Mrs. Lee, one can wonder what the true wishes of Mrs. Lee are. The family seems to do all the interaction with the medical staff, while Mrs. Lee just accepts whatever treatment is recommended for her.
The first topic of medical indications includes “the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and how the patient can benefit—if at all—from treatment” (Schumann JH, Alfandre D). Mrs. Lee was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, which was then found out to be caused by obstructing bronchial squamous cell carcinoma with lymph node and adrenal gland metastasis. Since the medical staff found the cause, it provided an option for treatment of intravenous …show more content…
(Schumann JH, Alfandre D). Mrs. Lee has not expressed any wishes or values, due to her family controlling what happens to her. This topic coincides with the principle of autonomy which includes the right of competent adults to make informed decisions about their own medical care. In this situation, Mrs. Lee seems to be competent adult, willing and capable of making her own decisions. The family is instead withholding her values and opinions which is severely effecting her autonomy. She should and has a right to know about what is happening in regards to her health and treatment. Mrs. Lee should also have a say about what happens next, as she is a competent adult and she is the person that the treatment is …show more content…
In this case, the quality of life of Mrs. Lee can be greatly improved if the treatment is successful. It can prolong her life, and could hopefully return her to previous quality of life before her disease which would be in her best interest and would do the most good to her. Without the treatment, Mrs. Lee’s quality of life will progressively decline, and can ultimately lead to her death. The decision of treatment should ultimately be left up to Mrs. Lee and she should be informed as to what is happening in regards to her health as we have an obligation to do that at health care
The first topic of medical indications includes “the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and how the patient can benefit—if at all—from treatment” (Schumann JH, Alfandre D). Mrs. Lee was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, which was then found out to be caused by obstructing bronchial squamous cell carcinoma with lymph node and adrenal gland metastasis. Since the medical staff found the cause, it provided an option for treatment of intravenous …show more content…
(Schumann JH, Alfandre D). Mrs. Lee has not expressed any wishes or values, due to her family controlling what happens to her. This topic coincides with the principle of autonomy which includes the right of competent adults to make informed decisions about their own medical care. In this situation, Mrs. Lee seems to be competent adult, willing and capable of making her own decisions. The family is instead withholding her values and opinions which is severely effecting her autonomy. She should and has a right to know about what is happening in regards to her health and treatment. Mrs. Lee should also have a say about what happens next, as she is a competent adult and she is the person that the treatment is …show more content…
In this case, the quality of life of Mrs. Lee can be greatly improved if the treatment is successful. It can prolong her life, and could hopefully return her to previous quality of life before her disease which would be in her best interest and would do the most good to her. Without the treatment, Mrs. Lee’s quality of life will progressively decline, and can ultimately lead to her death. The decision of treatment should ultimately be left up to Mrs. Lee and she should be informed as to what is happening in regards to her health as we have an obligation to do that at health care