Question

Mr. Smith is 64 years old. He has suffered from a left sided CVA. As a result of this he has been left paralyzed on his right side and is unable to verbally communicate. His cognition remains intact. He has a G-Tube which is used to administer medications and nutrition and he is MRSA positive. Mr. Smith has developed depressive symptoms including frequent bouts of crying and lack of interest in participating in rehab activities. When assessed he is able to communicate through the use of a touch pad. He often communicates “what is the point of this?” His wife confides in the LPN that her husband has been expressing wishes to end his life and is begging her to help with this. Mrs. Smith tells the LPN she saw information on the news about medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Mrs. Smith asks the LPN to tell her about MAiD. Mrs. Smith also wants to consult with the health care team on this.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is Mr. Smith eligible for MAiD

2. As an LPN in Newfoundland and Labrador, what is your role in this situation?

3. What do you need to consider? (e.g. mental health implications, vulnerable populations, ethical issues).

Answer 1

Answer: Mr. Smith eligible for MAiD because he is suffering from several disease and infection. He expresses his wish for dying as by questioning the treatment and life supporting equipments provided to him.

Being as LPN the majore role is to ontain consent from the patient with the help of communication through the touch pad. It is important to assess the abilities and needs of the patient. Patient autonomy should be respected. Hence the informed consent should be obtained as well as also on the day of the procedure to confirm the patient's will to die.

Mental health implications occurs in this kind of patients because suffering from multiple health disorders leads to increase mental stress. The client is becoming hopeless and not willing to survive anymore.