Reference no: EM13826599
Sandra Stanley was a 10-year-old child who went to All Saints Medical for a routine tonsillectomy. The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis. Sandra's parents were presented with and signed all of the necessary paperwork, including liability releases prior to the procedure. Although the surgery was a success, Sandra experienced complications during the recovery period. She developed extensive blood clots and unfortunately experienced a heart attack in the recovery room. The attending physicians performed life-saving measures, including placing Sandra on a ventilator. Despite these efforts, Sandra slipped into a coma and became unresponsive. All Saints Medical was fully booked and needed the space used by Sandra for future medical appointments. Seeing the test results of negative brain wave function, Sandra's doctors discussed options with the family to remove Sandra from the ventilator. Sandra's family refused. All Saints Medical expanded the brain wave analysis on Sandra and brought in several experts who all concluded that Sandra had no brain wave function and was declared brain dead by the attending physician. Still, Sandra's family refused to agree to have Sandra removed from the ventilator.
Write a paper of 5-7 pages that outlines the major components of the ethical considerations and principles that are present in this scenario. Include the following:
Research and analyze the ethical and legal issues involved in prolonging life and the right to die in 2 high visibility cases (e.g., Terri Schiavo, Karen Ann Quinlan, Nancy Cruzan, Haleigh Poutre, Jahi McMath, or Eluana Englaro).
Compare and contrast the perspectives and considerations for key stakeholders involved in each of the 2 cases (e.g., patient, parents, providers, administrators, lawmakers, etc.).
Evaluate the ethical considerations and issues for each stakeholder involved (e.g., patient, parents, providers, administrators, etc.) relative to the issue of Sandra remaining on life support upon the determination that she had no brain wave function and was brain dead.
Analyze the legal issues that are involved in Sandra's situation, assuming All Saints Medical is located in your state of residence.