Minors are identified as one of the vulnerable groups within the health care field. They can be categorized as individuals less than the age of 18. When providing care, health care providers often face ethical dilemmas related to care due to parental control. According to Hill (2012), two common-law presumptions have contributed to a state of confusion; the first presumption is without any special rule, children lack the legal authority to consent to medical treatment on their own, and the second is parents have a legal entitlement to make medical decisions for their minor children (p. 38).
Ethical Dilemma
Erica Salter discusses an ethical dilemma involving the care of a 17-year-old girl by the name of Annie. She was receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which subsequently lead to widespread organ failures …show more content…
The difference between ethical dilemmas and ethical issues can be difficult to decipher at times. According to Robichaux( 2017), an ethical dilemma is a conflict over values, which can be identified by asking yourself questions such as does the situation pose a potential harm to another person, has there been an inability to reach a decision on what steps to take, is there a disagreement on what is important, and is there a disagreement on goals of care (p. 12)? The case study involving Annie meets the requirements to be considered an ethical dilemma. There was a potential to harm Annie by not disclosing her terminal diagnosis to her, which ultimately prevent her from preparing for death. The health care team and Annie’s parents have been unsuccessful in reaching a decision. There is a disagreement between the health care team and Annie’s parents on whether or not she should be told about her impending death. Additionally, there was a disagreement on the parent’s wishes to continue aggressive medical treatment considering the poor
Ethical Dilemma
Erica Salter discusses an ethical dilemma involving the care of a 17-year-old girl by the name of Annie. She was receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which subsequently lead to widespread organ failures …show more content…
The difference between ethical dilemmas and ethical issues can be difficult to decipher at times. According to Robichaux( 2017), an ethical dilemma is a conflict over values, which can be identified by asking yourself questions such as does the situation pose a potential harm to another person, has there been an inability to reach a decision on what steps to take, is there a disagreement on what is important, and is there a disagreement on goals of care (p. 12)? The case study involving Annie meets the requirements to be considered an ethical dilemma. There was a potential to harm Annie by not disclosing her terminal diagnosis to her, which ultimately prevent her from preparing for death. The health care team and Annie’s parents have been unsuccessful in reaching a decision. There is a disagreement between the health care team and Annie’s parents on whether or not she should be told about her impending death. Additionally, there was a disagreement on the parent’s wishes to continue aggressive medical treatment considering the poor