Ethical dilemma involving a dying patient Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethical dilemma involving a dying patient - Essay Examplere faced with an ethical dilemma as to whether to save the patient or not and not except save the patient but the baby that the patient was carrying as the patient had refused any sort of medical exam exam treatment that involved the use of blood. The deposits were left to questions whether to help the patient or look on her beliefs and not do anything to save her life. The ethical dilemmas face by the doctors in this case was that the patient was a Jehovahs witness and did not want to be treated with bloid transfusion. The doctors faced four basic principles of ethics respect for autonomy where in the doctor has to respect the decision made by the patient, beneficence where in the doctor has to assess the risk to benefit ration. Thirdly non-maleficence where the doctors do not want to cause any disablement to the patient and lastly justice which balances the benefits, risk and costs equally and uniformly (Van Norman, 201 1). The patient was a Jehovahss witness which made it difficult to carry out the prescribed treatment for her, Jehovahs witness, they do not salute to military flags and do not take part in military or city government voting. The Jehovahs witnesses are banned from blood transfusions or any medical treatment that involves the use of blood or blood products.In cases like these it is necessary to first weigh the condition of the patient whether they should be talked to or counseled regarding the decisions being made. If the patient is awake and well aware of what is hazard or what has happened, the patients caretaker or guardian should also be asked regarding the decision being made. It is serious to check the documents as to confirm that the patient is actually a Jehovah s Witness. The patient and her caretaker should be informed of alternative blood products and if they still do not agree for no treatment indeed he/ should sign a document of consent (Van Norman, 2011).In this cas e when the nurse is faced with a critical situation which