End of Life Issues Essay - 800 Words

END OF LIFE ISSUE- YOU DECIDE With major advancement in medical treatments, it is now possible to keep a patient alive, which would not have been possible in former times. This has made end of life issue one of the most controversial issues in healthcare. Medical improvements have set the stage for ethical and legal controversies about not only the patient’s rights but also the family’s rights and the medical profession’s proper role. It is critical that any decision made in such situation is ethical and legal to preserve the rights of the patient and also protect the healthcare institution involved. It is very important when making decisions to discontinue treatments to make sure all other alternatives have been explored.†¦show more content†¦It is absolutely important that the institution or the courts determine whether Lydia is competent or not to make medical decisions so as not to violate her right to autonomy. If Lydia is found to be incompetent to make medical decisions; who should? The husband is her legal guardian so in this case, I think it is clear who has the legal right to act as Lydia’s proxy. According to research, in most states, unless the non incompetent patient previously designated a different decision maker, the spouse may act as the proxy. He/she together with the guidance of the physician may decide to withhold life-sustaining treatment (including in most states artificial nutrition and hydration) for a patient diagnosed to be in a terminal or irreversible condition. In all states, however, a patient’s legally recognized surrogate decision maker may direct that life-sustaining treatment not be provided if the surrogate can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the patient would not want the treatment under present circumstances. Another very important issue that has to be determined is Lydia’s prognosis; that is the likely outcome of her current illness. This is important beca use before her husband’s wishes be followed, it should be determined that it will be impossible for her to recover from her injuries. Her physician is unsure about her recovery. I will suggest a second opinion is sought inShow MoreRelatedEnd of Life Medical Issues Essay831 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ Euthanasia: When should be the End? Christina Nichols PHI208 Ethics and Moral Reasoning Craig Thompson June 6, 2014 End of life medical issues are a very sensitive subject for doctors, patients, and family members. Some support the patients’ right to terminate their own life. 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