How Dnr Causes an Ethical Dilemma Essay - 1694 Words

Running Head: HOW DNR CAUSES AN ETHICAL DILEMMA How DNR Causes an Ethical Dilemma Deann Morgan HCA 322, Health Care Ethics and Medical Law Dr. David Cole January 22, 2010 Abstract This paper will present an argument of how the process of do not resuscitate (DNR) results in an ethical dilemma for workers in the healthcare field. In presenting the argument, this paper will also address the following three course learning objectives: 1) explain the legal rights of individuals as they interact with health care services, 2) analyze the monitoring systems that ensure human rights, legal aspects, and quality†¦show more content†¦Ethical dilemma may also arise in cases where a patient may feel their right to DNR should be carried out when giving direct order. The DNR process, however, is required to be documented by a physician. Andrew Putnam (2003) presents a case where an eighty-eight year old patient’s code status was DNR; â€Å"However, the patient has never signed formal advance directive statement or assigned durable power of attorney for her health care to anyone.† (P utnam, 2003, 2025) Ethics can be simply stated as doing the right thing (Roberts, 2002, 242); but in this case ethics is questioned because the physician was faced with the decision to carry out the wishes of the patient or to make a decision based on legality. In this case, it may have been morally right to carry out the wishes of the patient who wanted DNR orders carried out, but it may have been the right choice to do the legal thing and not carried out due to lack of signed documentation. There have been many court cases, even some taken as far as the United States Supreme Court, which involved issues such as preserving/prolonging life and DNR. Roberts presents the case Cruzan versus Director of Missouri Health Department. In this case a patient was involved in an automobile accident and was left in a vegetative state. The hospital made the choice toShow MoreRelatedDo Resuscitate Status: a Legal and Ethical Challenge for Nursing1679 Words   |  7 PagesDo Resuscitate Status: A Legal and Ethical Challenge for Nursing Shawn Wolkart Senior Integrative Seminar Spring A semester, 2010 University of Saint Mary Abstract A status of do resuscitate in those critically ill patients may result in a slow code. A slow code is a situation where the nursing staff decides to do less than the standard set forth by advanced life support algorithms and the nurse practice act and allow the patient to die instead of possibly sustaining life. The legal implicationsRead MoreEssay about Who Has the Right to Make the Choice of Life or Death?962 Words   |  4 Pagesrespiratory failure related to end stage cystic fibrosis. The patient is accompanied by his girlfriend who states that the patient has a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. 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