Three CHNs Are Disagreeing About the Appropriate Treatment for Mrs

question 17

Multiple Choice

Three CHNs are disagreeing about the appropriate treatment for Mrs.Mehta, who is probably an excellent candidate for hospice care.The first CHN says that deciding on care, rather than cure, is up to Mrs.Mehta, and no one else can decide for her.The second CHN says that it is the responsibility of the health care team to do what is best for Mrs.Mehta, and if the physician thinks there is still a possibility of cure, then the CHNs should do everything they can to implement the treatment plan.The third CHN says it is not fair for the family to expend all their resources on Mrs.Mehta, who is probably going to die in spite of the care provided by the health care team.Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from this dispute?

• A)Ethical principles can conflict with each other.
• B)The first CHN is correct because autonomy demands that the patient herself decide.
• C)The second CHN is correct because professional health care providers profess or promise to always do the best for those under their care.
• D)The third CHN is correct because utility demands the maximization of benefit for the majority.

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Definitions:

Alternative Treatments

Therapeutic practices that are not part of mainstream medical care, often used alongside conventional treatments or when standard therapies have not been effective.

Fringe

Elements or groups considered to be on the margins or edge of mainstream society or a particular field.

Integrative Medicine

The approach to treatment that attempts to integrate techniques from both conventional and alternative medicine.

Alternative Medicine

A range of medical therapies that are not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and homeopathy.