HLT 520 Legal and Ethical Principles in
Health Care
Grand Canyon University
Week 1
HLT 520 Topic 1 DQ1
A patient is in a coma that appears irreversible. His mother, who is his
surrogate, firmly believes that he will recover and that God is taking a
hand to work a miracle if everyone will just wait long enough. She
wants everything done for the patient, including resuscitation if he
arrests. She insists that he stay in the hospital, and is very upset that he
was transferred out of the ICU and his care was moved to comfort
measures, rather than aggressive treatment. The mother does not speak
English and is strong in her religious beliefs. The physicians for the
patient are very upset and concerned about continuing to provide care
that they believe is futile. The patient is developing a serious pneumonia,
and the mother wants it treated aggressively. The physicians are
reluctant. Analyze this case from the ethical principles of justice,
benevolence, non-malfeasance, and autonomy.
Health Care
Grand Canyon University
Week 1
HLT 520 Topic 1 DQ1
A patient is in a coma that appears irreversible. His mother, who is his
surrogate, firmly believes that he will recover and that God is taking a
hand to work a miracle if everyone will just wait long enough. She
wants everything done for the patient, including resuscitation if he
arrests. She insists that he stay in the hospital, and is very upset that he
was transferred out of the ICU and his care was moved to comfort
measures, rather than aggressive treatment. The mother does not speak
English and is strong in her religious beliefs. The physicians for the
patient are very upset and concerned about continuing to provide care
that they believe is futile. The patient is developing a serious pneumonia,
and the mother wants it treated aggressively. The physicians are
reluctant. Analyze this case from the ethical principles of justice,
benevolence, non-malfeasance, and autonomy.
