Reference no: EM133940613
Assignment:
Analyze the NEXT case study on Ethical Theories in terms of deontological and utilitarian perspectives.
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Ms. N, a 77-year-old married woman, has moderately advanced Alzheimer's disease, which causes periods of confusion, frustration, anger, and obsessive thinking. Before she became ill, Mrs. N and her husband discussed her wishes in case something happened to them. Ms. N told her husband that if there was no chance of survival, she would not want to be "hooked up" to a breathing machine. Her advance directives were never completed.
Mr. N is dedicated to his wife and wants her to receive the best possible care. He has spent the last year caring for her, cooking for her, cleaning her house, and witnessing her deterioration in her health.
When Ms. N becomes unable to walk alone and safely, he allows the doctor to admit her to the long-term care facility.
After three weeks in the nursing home, Ms. N starts coughing and becomes feverish. The doctor diagnoses pneumonia, starts IV antibiotics, and transfers her to a local hospital.
The pneumonia responds to antibiotics, but Ms. N stops talking and refuses to eat. The doctor calls her husband to ask permission to insert a feeding tube. Mr. N wants to do what is best for his wife.