Utilizing THE MORAL model to resolve this dilemma.
M- Massage the dilemma-The facts that are relevant to this case are clinical facts that determined the severity of his burns, which shows over 68% of his body; the prognosis was grim in light of the fact that several areas in his body had third degree burns, he had lost his vision in one eye, and had limbs that were mutilated. The benefits, risk of treatments and the side effects was horrendous as he experienced several surgeries and pain associated with his treatments. What will be the quality of life even with the best care which certainly will not be as good as he had prior to his accident. The patients’ preference was to kill himself. Was he given adequate information to make a sound decision? Was he mentally capable of making the decision and did he have the mental capacity at the time? His mother consented for his treatment and was given power of attorney over his refusal. The physician also had a dilemma. Will they be consenting to suicide if they assented to Daxs’ wishes? Will the hospital be held liable since legal implications may not have been clear at the time?…show more content… Dax’s option was to kill himself and put end to his suffering. It will put an end to the pain and suffering that he was experiencing and will also end the significant activity limitations, significant physical deficit and disfigurement. The cons of this are that he took his life and now bears the stigma associated with suicide. The mother with the health care system continued his treatment despite his refusal- a pro could be that the mother and the system felt obligated to preserve his life. It will not be honoring their Christian values and the belief in the sanctity of human life. The hospital may have the need to keep treatment going because of potential legal implications. Considering that this happened in 1973, the patients’ bill of rights was not in place which may have afforded a path of least
