Mrs. S.: A Medical Case Study

Mrs. S appears to be a competent patient who has put in a good-faith effort towards living a happy and healthy lifestyle. Although she was recently diagnosed with severe, calcific aortic stenosis secondary to congestive heart failure, there were some important factors for her to consider before opting for surgical intervention. Mrs. S’s denial of her condition is most likely due to the severity of her condition, which was fortunately discovered and diagnosed when she arrived at the research hospital for cardiac catheterization. Having known that she has had a heart murmur for two years and is experiencing cardiac related symptoms, Mrs. S is more than likely working through an emotional struggle as her heart continues to fail. However, I do …show more content…
S is competent and holds a respectable decision-making capacity due to her understanding of the discussion between her and the physician. Informed consent may or may not be impossible in this case, but can only be determined by judging the patient’s basis of denial. After discussing her diagnosis and chosen route of surgical intervention including the risks with the physician, the patient may be thinking of a number of thoughts, such as suffering through the pain rather than receiving treatment, or preferring to die rather than being treated at her point in age. As long as the patient understands the consequences of her decision to refuse treatment, and expresses competence, the physician is within their right and ethical standard to help alleviate any emotional fear or doubt as well as dissipate denial of a condition, but must refrain from imposing their values on the patient. The most effective method of communication of informed consent in this case would be a combination of the prudent person and substantial disclosure rule to ensure the patient knows and understands all of the relevant and important information associated with the physician’s formulated plan of care, but most importantly includes any information that will equip the patient to make the most sound decision from patient’s point of