Mrs. Lutz is a 78-year-old woman who has undergone radiation therapy and three surgeries for cancer. She is not progressing well, cannot eat, and is losing weight. The physician has decided to place a subclavian catheter in order to administer total parenteral nutrition. The nurse takes the informed consent for to Mrs. Lutz for her signature and explains to her that “the doctor will place a small tube in your vein, about here, so we can give you more nutrients and help you regain your strength and heal.” Mrs. Lutz says, “I’m so tired of all of this pain. I’m not sure, I want anything else done, and I surely do not want to be hurt again.” The nurse replies to Mrs. Lutz: “Now, now, your doctor has ordered this to make you well. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you don’t feel a thing. Your doctor will be here soon and he will expect this permit to be signed. Won’t you please sign it now?” 1. Identifies the Ethical Dilemma Describe the dilemma in detail evidencing the gathering of the pertinent facts and information and ascertaining exactly what must be decided
Mrs. Lutz is a 78-year-old woman who has undergone radiation therapy and three surgeries for cancer. She is not progressing well, cannot eat, and is losing weight. The physician has decided to place a subclavian catheter in order to administer total parenteral nutrition. The nurse takes the informed consent for to Mrs. Lutz for her signature and explains to her that “the doctor will place a small tube in your vein, about here, so we can give you more nutrients and help you regain your strength and heal.” Mrs. Lutz says, “I’m so tired of all of this pain. I’m not sure, I want anything else done, and I surely do not want to be hurt again.” The nurse replies to Mrs. Lutz: “Now, now, your doctor has ordered this to make you well. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you don’t feel a thing. Your doctor will be here soon and he will expect this permit to be signed. Won’t you please sign it now?”
1. Identifies the Ethical Dilemma
Describe the dilemma in detail evidencing the gathering of the pertinent facts and information and ascertaining exactly what must be decided
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