FACTS: The deceased patient was a nursing home resident for 8 years who had multiple chronic conditions, including diabetic ketoacidosis, rheumatoid arthritis with Feltys syndrome, hypothyroidism, diverticulitis, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome no. 1, left nephrectomy with left staghorn calculus removal, hiatal hernia with esophageal reflux, and multiple drug allergies. She was transferred to a hospital for acute care of severe, intractable nausea as well as vomiting and possible starvation. At the request of her family, a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order had been on the patients chart for 5 years. She was unable to take anything by mouth, but the family declined insertion of a feeding tube. While in the hospital, the patient suffered a significant drop in blood pressure that was initially treated with IV dopamine. The family requested that the medication be discontinued after 1 day. Over the following week, the patients condition declined rapidly; she was nonresponsive and had difficulty breathing. She was receiving oxygen by nasal cannula but no other treatment. Because her condition was terminal, the decisio
n was made to transfer her back to the nursing home, with the familys consent. The defendant ambulance service was called by the hospital to transfer the patient back to the nursing home. While moving the patient from her bed to the ambulance, the emergency medical technicians discontinued the oxygen. It is disputed whether the oxygen was administered during the 7-minute ride to the nursing home. Upon arrival and transfer of the patient to the nursing home, she was no longer breathing. The patients children filed a malpractice case against the ambulance company and the EMTs.
INSTRUCTIONS: Analyze the case study and submit a two- to three-page paper addressing the following:
Identifying the ethical dilemma
Comparing and evaluating the ethical arguments
Formulating an implementation plan
Demonstrating problem solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills
Answer all key questions
Key Questions
Is there any factual basis for asserting a malpractice claim?
What impact does the DNR order have upon the analysis?
Do the patients numerous terminal conditions affect the familys right to recover damages? If so, how?