Preterm birth can cause serious health problems or even be fatal for a baby, particularly if it happens very early (Weiss, 2015). In general, the more mature a baby is at birth, the better the chances of surviving and being healthy is. Ms. W’s case is no different; she is in preterm labor in the hospital, refusing treatment. Moreover, due to pregnancy and medication annoyance, Ms. W wants to discontinue all treatment, despite doctors’ orders. Ms. W’s potential risks of premature delivery will increase if she does not understand her medical indications, quality of life in association to risks, contextual features, and the way she applies patient preference. All are variables in this ethical case that lead to life or death. …show more content…
Are there biases that might prejudice the provider’s evaluation of the patient’s quality of life (Jonsen, 2010)? Case topic eight. The psychiatry consult could create biases that might prejudice the provider’s evaluation of the patient’s quality of life. After obtaining results, the medical staff could imply that Ms. W is not competent to make discussions for her and/or her unborn child. This accusation could force Ms. W to comply or send her more and more off an emotional deep end. Question four. What ethical issues arise concerning improving or enhancing a patient’s quality of life (Jonsen, 2010)? Case topic nine. Issues that arise improving Ms. W quality of life are overriding patient preference. Ms. W does not want treatment; however, Dr. C states that it is needed for Ms. W and the unborn child’s safety. Enhancing Ms. W’s quality of life is futile if treatment is bypassed. All in all, there is a higher percentage of chance that the quality of life will decrease if orders are not taken into consideration by Ms. W.
Contextual Features Contextual features are to consider the larger context in which the case is occurring and to determine whether any contextual features are relevant to the case and its ethical analysis (Jonsen, …show more content…
Are there religious issues that might affect clinical decisions (Jonsen, 2010)? Case topic twelve. There are no known religious issues that might affect medical decisions. There could be underlying religious issues, but they are not stated. Question seven. What are the legal issues that might affect clinical decisions (Jonsen, 2010)? Case topic thirteen. If Ms. W is not careful about choices she makes, Dr. C could turn this into a lengthy court case. Ms. W could be found psychologically unstable and be forced into medical treatment. Furthermore, after the child is born, Ms. W’s rights could be taken away.
Conclusion
Medical ethics could cause an uproar for any associated parties. In cases like Ms. W’s, legal intervention can be attempted. The courts can be petitioned to enforce treatment compliance. Furthermore, Ms. W’s history and psychiatry evaluation can be a great aid to a medical professional when medical ethics are involved. Medical indications like preterm labor carries potential risks (respiratory immaturity, interventricular hemorrhage, neurologic handicaps, and even fetal death); it is vital Ms. W follow all rules being