AnalysisofanEthicalDilemma
Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma
White Team
Grand Canyon University
NRS-437V
April 18, 2015
Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma
Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, is defined as putting to death someone that is suffering from a painful or prolonged illness. An individual acts on behalf of the patient to end their life by making the means of death available and serving as the agent of death. Voluntary euthanasia occurs when a patient gives consent while involuntary euthanasia is when they do not. In non-voluntary euthanasia the patient is not able to give consent. (ANA, 2013). In this paper we will discuss ethical theories and principals for our position on Euthanasia, as well as explain how these theories and principals apply to euthanasia. The impact on values, morals, and nursing practice will also be discussed.
Nurses have a duty to provide, holistic care that encompasses the patient’s rights while upholding the scope of practice in the presence of chronic, debilitating illness at the end of life. Compassionate care involves promoting comfort; ensuring that the patient does not suffer and providing adequate pain control. The nurse is not obligated to comply with the request for euthanasia by the patient and family. (ANA, 2013)
In Oregon, Montana, Washington, and Vermont there are laws, which allow terminally ill patients, who have been diagnosed as having only six months to live, request physician assisted deaths by requesting lethal doses of medications. Some states such as Idaho, Massachusetts, Alabama, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming have no laws that criminalize euthanasia or assisted suicide. In all other states, this is a crime equal to manslaughter and anyone who participates in the act will be subject to prosecution. (Humphry, 2013) There are several stakeholders in both of these cases. In the Terry Schiavo case, there is the patient, her family, her husband, her healthcare providers and the state. In the
White Team
Grand Canyon University
NRS-437V
April 18, 2015
Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma
Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, is defined as putting to death someone that is suffering from a painful or prolonged illness. An individual acts on behalf of the patient to end their life by making the means of death available and serving as the agent of death. Voluntary euthanasia occurs when a patient gives consent while involuntary euthanasia is when they do not. In non-voluntary euthanasia the patient is not able to give consent. (ANA, 2013). In this paper we will discuss ethical theories and principals for our position on Euthanasia, as well as explain how these theories and principals apply to euthanasia. The impact on values, morals, and nursing practice will also be discussed.
Nurses have a duty to provide, holistic care that encompasses the patient’s rights while upholding the scope of practice in the presence of chronic, debilitating illness at the end of life. Compassionate care involves promoting comfort; ensuring that the patient does not suffer and providing adequate pain control. The nurse is not obligated to comply with the request for euthanasia by the patient and family. (ANA, 2013)
In Oregon, Montana, Washington, and Vermont there are laws, which allow terminally ill patients, who have been diagnosed as having only six months to live, request physician assisted deaths by requesting lethal doses of medications. Some states such as Idaho, Massachusetts, Alabama, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming have no laws that criminalize euthanasia or assisted suicide. In all other states, this is a crime equal to manslaughter and anyone who participates in the act will be subject to prosecution. (Humphry, 2013) There are several stakeholders in both of these cases. In the Terry Schiavo case, there is the patient, her family, her husband, her healthcare providers and the state. In the