Question

At 80, Meena had been in a nursing home for 2 years after a stroke, when her health declined, and she was no longer able to communicate her wishes. Meena's physician, Dr. Torres, told her family she was dying. She said that medical tests, physical therapy, and intravenous treatments were no longer really needed and should be stopped because they might be causing Meena discomfort.
Dr. Torres also said that checking vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing rate) was interrupting her rest and would no longer be done regularly.

Then, Meena developed pneumonia. Her family asked about moving her to the hospital. Dr. Torres explained that Meena could get the same care in the familiar surroundings of her nursing home. Besides, the doctor said, a move could disturb and confuse her. The family agreed to leave Meena in the nursing home, and she died 2 days later surrounded by those close to her.

Questions:
1. Do you agree to Dr. Torres’ medical decisions for patient Emma? Include in your discussion
the basis of your answer.
2. From Dr. Torres’ point of view, what bioethical principle does he follow?
3. Are there Patient Rights violated? If there are, what are they and in what way were these
violated? If none, discuss the basis of your answer.

Answer 1

1. When dealing with older patients, It's a very sensitive process cause they get lonely very easily. Loneliness and isolation is the major reason for the decline in health among the elderly. Its also proven that loneliness can lead to faster cognitive decline. So shifting Meena to the nursing home at such a vulnerable circumstance would not be considered the best solution.

2.From Dr.Torres's perspective, I think he follows the beneficence type of bioethics principle since he is looking for all possible treatments with an intention of doing the most for the patient.

3.The doctor definitely violated - Right to safety and quality care according to standards. Looking at the outcomes of the decisions taken by the doctor to remove the necessary treatments, A quick decrease in her health is seen which doesnt serve as the best outcome for the patient.