Autonomy
What is autonomy?
The patient’s right to make informed decisions about their healthcare and treatment.
What is Beneficence?
Doing good for others, or acting in a way that prioritizes their well being
What is Justice?
Justice is known as fairness and equality. It ensures that justice should prevail (succeed) in a medical situation
What is nonmaleficence?
It's the ethical rule of "do no harm". In practice, it means making sure that the care or treatment provided doesn't worsen a patient's condition or cause harm that could have been avoided
How many kidneys does someone have after they have gone through a successful renal transplant?
3 Kidneys
Does Wendy have the legal right to refuse the transplant?
No, Wisconsin does not formally recognize the nature minor doctrine meaning minors cannot typically refuse life-saving treatment.
How did Wendy's brother demonstrate Beneficence in this scenario?
By offering to donate one of his kidneys to save Wendy's life
Wendy being legally a minor, would it be fair to let her parent consent her to go along with the transplant?
Wendy is 17 years old at the moment. If she continues to refuse treatment then she will only have a month to live, according to the medical professional, therefore she wouldn't make it to her 18th birthday. So, in this situation, it would be fair for her parent to make that decision before it is too late.
Is it worse to let Wendy die or give her a kidney she doesn't want?
answers may vary...
One side argues you can't let her die if there's a chance to save her, but that means going against her wishes
The other side is about respecting her decision, but that could lead to her death
What test did Jason go through to see if he was able to give Wendy his kidney?
Family compatibility test
Does Jason have the right to donate his kidney, even with a criminal background?
Yes, his criminal history does not disqualify him from being a living donor. He still has the autonomous right to make medical decisions about his body.
Which medical professional demonstrates Beneficence by suggesting that Wendy undergo a kidney transplant to save her life?
The Physician
If Wendy undergoes surgery and receives her brother's kidney involuntarily, she chooses not to take care of the kidney afterward. Do you think that is acceptable in her situation?
That would be unfortunate for the donor and the medical team. Wendy has the opportunity to receive a kidney from a living donor.
If Wendy's condition gets worse without a transplant, does nonmaleficence mean we have to step in, even if she's against it?
answers may vary...
Nonmaleficence usually means preventing harm, so it might push for stepping in
But if Wendy is capable of making her own choices, respecting her autonomy could be just as important, even if it means letting things run their course
What stage of kidney failure did Wendy have, narrowing down a renal transplant to her only option for survival?
Stage IV Renal Failure
What ethical duty does the medical team have in protecting Jason’s autonomy?
They have the duty to ensure Jason’s consent is fully informed and voluntary.
Who demonstrated Beneficence by persisting that Wendy gets the renal transplant, going to depths to summon a ethics board to keep Wendy alive
Wendy's parents
Is the brother's reason for donating his kidney —to make amends with his family—fair?
Jason is volunteering to donate his kidney so it would be fair because it is helping Wendy have the renal transplant procedure quickly and efficiently before her time is up
How do we balance "doing no harm" when both choices cause some harm?
answers may vary...
It's about weighing the harm. Which option causes less harm overall, or is there a way to minimize it on both sides?
The goal is finding a middle ground that reduces harm as much as possible while still respecting Wendy's decisions
What vessels (Veins & Arteries) do the renal artery and vein attach to during a renal transplant?
External iliac artery and vein
Which ANA provision upholds patient autonomy?
Provision 1
What test was conducted, resulting in the discovery of a family match for Wendy's renal transplant?
Family compatibility testing
In what ways can medical professionals help Wendy, who might be distressed and in pain, in demonstrating justice to the donor kidney?
Medical professionals (Doctors/ nurses) can help improve Wendy's quality of life by patient central care by keeping an eye on her health and the condition of the kidney. Provide other resources such as a psychiatrist, to help her psychological aspect of her well-being.
If we let Wendy refuse treatment, are we violating nonmaleficence, knowing the outcome could be fatal?
answers may vary...
Letting Wendy refuse treatment means respecting her wishes, but it could lead to her death, which seems like not preventing harm
However, if we prioritize her autonomy, even at the risk of her life, some might say that's still the right move. It's all about balancing her wishes with the potential harm
What is the lifespan of a new kidney from a live donor?
15-20 years