Inheritance Today Or Autonomy Case Analysis

The relationship between a physician and their patient is one that should be composed of understanding and trust, as the intent of both parties is a shared value alleviating pain and overall content. However, there is uncertainty in the medical community when determining who “knows best” – the patient or the doctor. Is the patient entitled to the knowledge their doctor has concerning their case, or should the doctor be conservative in their explanations in an attempt to spare the patient’s psychological turmoil. This debate is exemplified in the article “Beneficence Today, or Autonomy (Maybe) Tomorrow” as the course of treatment for the patient, Monica, is reliant upon the doctors’ decision to either withhold information about the severity …show more content…
To act in the patients best interest should incorporate discussing the options to the patient and family in order to understand the desires of the patient. Chevrolet’s main concern is to not cause Monica to be in distress or pain – Chevrolet considers waking the patient to be a form of malpractice. His own moral speculation is affecting his judgment of the situation since he does not want to cause intentional harm to another person. However, Bernice Elger’s opposing argument takes into consideration the chance that Monica would prefer an option other than the doctor’s recommendation which explains why he states waking her up would be the best option in her interest for the long …show more content…
Placing a stent could lead to complications or even death. Leaving Monica on mechanical ventilation will allow her to “live” out the rest of her life sedated thought not providing her with the opportunity to make amends or complete projects that she did not have the will to do prior to becoming terminally ill. Both of these options are high risk, and the best option for Monica cannot be concluded unless she is woken. Patients should be given the right, if they are conscious and able, to be given the information of their circumstance. Giving Monica the chance to decide will allow her to live out the rest of her life by her own standards.
In reference to Goldman’s article, “The Refutation of Medical Paternalism”, for the doctors to make a decision without Monica’s consent would not be a form of justified paternalism. Although physicians have an understanding of the option that is best for Monica, she still has the right to be aware of her illness. The harm that will be done to the patient by waking her is not “irreversible”; even if she will be in emotional distress, it is a normal feeling to have when coming to terms with death. Doctors should provide the best possible care without shielding their patients from the reality of the