Patient's Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis
After reviewing the Topic 3 "Case Study: Healing and Autonomy" chart and evaluation you
completed and reading the topic Resources, respond to the following, using only citations
from the case and topic Resources:
1. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 200-250 words, should the physician allow
Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to
James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient's autonomy? Explain your
rationale.
In Mike's case, where he continues to make decisions that appear irrational and
potentially harmful to James, it presents a challenging ethical dilemma for the
physician. On one hand, respecting patient autonomy is paramount in medical ethics.
Mike has the right to make decisions about James's care, especially if he is his legal
guardian. However, autonomy is not absolute and must be balanced with beneficence
(doing good) and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm).
Given James's vulnerable state and his inability to make decisions for himself, the
physician has a duty to act in his best interest. This duty is further reinforced by the
principle of beneficence. If the physician believes that Mike's decisions are harmful to
James, they have an ethical obligation to intervene and advocate for James's well-
being. This may involve engaging in open and honest communication with Mike to
understand his reasoning and educate him about the potential consequences of his
decisions.
Ultimately, allowing Mike to continue making decisions that pose a risk to James
would constitute a failure to uphold the physician's duty of beneficence and
nonmaleficence. While respecting patient autonomy is crucial, it cannot come at the
expense of a patient's well-being, especially when they are unable to advocate for
themselves. Therefore, the physician should carefully balance autonomy with the duty
to protect James from harm, intervening when necessary to ensure his safety and best
possible outcome.
2. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 500-700 words, how ought a Christian
think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical
intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about
trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of
beneficence and nonmaleficence in James's care?
In formulating a Christian perspective on sickness, health, and medical intervention, it
is essential to integrate insights from various scholarly sources and theological
discourse. Camara and Rosengarten (2021) emphasize the importance of faith-sensitive
end-of-life care, advocating for a holistic approach that addresses spiritual and
emotional needs alongside physical well-being. They highlight the significance of
recognizing and accommodating the spiritual dimensions of illness, especially in
pediatric and adolescent patients, and stress the role of faith communities in providing
support and comfort during challenging times. This aligns with Green's (2021)
© 2024. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
After reviewing the Topic 3 "Case Study: Healing and Autonomy" chart and evaluation you
completed and reading the topic Resources, respond to the following, using only citations
from the case and topic Resources:
1. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 200-250 words, should the physician allow
Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to
James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient's autonomy? Explain your
rationale.
In Mike's case, where he continues to make decisions that appear irrational and
potentially harmful to James, it presents a challenging ethical dilemma for the
physician. On one hand, respecting patient autonomy is paramount in medical ethics.
Mike has the right to make decisions about James's care, especially if he is his legal
guardian. However, autonomy is not absolute and must be balanced with beneficence
(doing good) and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm).
Given James's vulnerable state and his inability to make decisions for himself, the
physician has a duty to act in his best interest. This duty is further reinforced by the
principle of beneficence. If the physician believes that Mike's decisions are harmful to
James, they have an ethical obligation to intervene and advocate for James's well-
being. This may involve engaging in open and honest communication with Mike to
understand his reasoning and educate him about the potential consequences of his
decisions.
Ultimately, allowing Mike to continue making decisions that pose a risk to James
would constitute a failure to uphold the physician's duty of beneficence and
nonmaleficence. While respecting patient autonomy is crucial, it cannot come at the
expense of a patient's well-being, especially when they are unable to advocate for
themselves. Therefore, the physician should carefully balance autonomy with the duty
to protect James from harm, intervening when necessary to ensure his safety and best
possible outcome.
2. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 500-700 words, how ought a Christian
think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical
intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about
trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of
beneficence and nonmaleficence in James's care?
In formulating a Christian perspective on sickness, health, and medical intervention, it
is essential to integrate insights from various scholarly sources and theological
discourse. Camara and Rosengarten (2021) emphasize the importance of faith-sensitive
end-of-life care, advocating for a holistic approach that addresses spiritual and
emotional needs alongside physical well-being. They highlight the significance of
recognizing and accommodating the spiritual dimensions of illness, especially in
pediatric and adolescent patients, and stress the role of faith communities in providing
support and comfort during challenging times. This aligns with Green's (2021)
© 2024. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
