Topic 3: Applying the Four Principles: Case Study
Part 1: Chart (60 points)
Based on the reading of the "Case Study: Healing and Autonomy" and topic Resources, use the four boxes approach to organize
relevant ethical issues related to the four principles (beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice). Provide the
information by means of bullet points with complete sentences in the box. Gather as much data as possible within this 1-page chart.
Medical Indications Patient Preferences
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence Autonomy
• James is suffering from acute glomerulonephritis • Mike and Joanne are the parents and legal guardians
also known as kidney failure. of James, a minor child.
• James presented with complications from a Strep • The attending physician recommended
throat infection. immediate dialysis.
• The spread of the infection led to kidney failure. • As parents of a minor child, Mike and Joanne opted
• Normally this will resolve on its own or with to seek spiritual treatment before pursuing dialysis.
antibiotic treatment. • James was denied life-saving dialysis due to a conflict
• James also had elevated blood pressure and fluid of autonomy with beneficence.
buildup indicating the need for dialysis. • The parents exercised their right to pursue
• Due to delayed treatment James went into kidney spiritual healing in line with their faith.
failure which is not reversible with dialysis. • The result of delayed treatment caused
• James now requires a kidney transplant within a year. irreversible damage to James’ kidney.
• Dialysis will offer a temporary treatment option
for James until he finds a kidney donor.
• James has a twin brother that is a match and could be
a kidney donor.
Quality of Life Contextual Features
Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy Justice and Fairness
• James original diagnosis allowed him to regain a normal • The physician demonstrated justice and fairness by
©2024. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
Part 1: Chart (60 points)
Based on the reading of the "Case Study: Healing and Autonomy" and topic Resources, use the four boxes approach to organize
relevant ethical issues related to the four principles (beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice). Provide the
information by means of bullet points with complete sentences in the box. Gather as much data as possible within this 1-page chart.
Medical Indications Patient Preferences
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence Autonomy
• James is suffering from acute glomerulonephritis • Mike and Joanne are the parents and legal guardians
also known as kidney failure. of James, a minor child.
• James presented with complications from a Strep • The attending physician recommended
throat infection. immediate dialysis.
• The spread of the infection led to kidney failure. • As parents of a minor child, Mike and Joanne opted
• Normally this will resolve on its own or with to seek spiritual treatment before pursuing dialysis.
antibiotic treatment. • James was denied life-saving dialysis due to a conflict
• James also had elevated blood pressure and fluid of autonomy with beneficence.
buildup indicating the need for dialysis. • The parents exercised their right to pursue
• Due to delayed treatment James went into kidney spiritual healing in line with their faith.
failure which is not reversible with dialysis. • The result of delayed treatment caused
• James now requires a kidney transplant within a year. irreversible damage to James’ kidney.
• Dialysis will offer a temporary treatment option
for James until he finds a kidney donor.
• James has a twin brother that is a match and could be
a kidney donor.
Quality of Life Contextual Features
Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy Justice and Fairness
• James original diagnosis allowed him to regain a normal • The physician demonstrated justice and fairness by
©2024. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
