Although the outcomes of killing and allowing one to die is the same, the objective and cause are not the same from a moral perspective (Panicola, 2011 pg. 279). In killing a patient, death is caused by an injection that is lethal. On the other hand, when a patient is allowed to die, he /she dies because of the underlying medical condition after medical interventions are withdrawn because they either cause unnecessary burden or are of no benefit to the patient. Different from administering a lethal injection, the aim of withdrawing medical intervention is not actually to cause death but to seek the best interests for the patient (Panicola, 2011 pg. 279).
Why is there a duty to preserve life? What two extreme views is a balanced view of life and death intended to mediate?
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Life should be preserved because from a Christian perspective it is a great good. Human beings have been given life by God out of his great love. Through life, human beings are able to fully commune with God. This is achieved by loving other human beings just as God has. As a result of this, human beings have a moral obligation to preserve life (Panicola, 2011 pg. 280). A balanced perspective of life and death is crucial because it mediates between two extreme perspectives about forsaking treatment towards end of life. The two extreme views are: human beings possess total authority over their lives, and human life is a total good that should be preserved by all possible ways.
HCE Chapter 11
Why are physician assisted suicide and euthanasia often unnecessary for meeting the care demands of dying patients?
Physician assisted suicide and euthanasia are in most cases not required because both are a need for help. In addition, they are a sign that a patient’s various need such as physical and social requirements are not provided. End of life is a period of total dependence and vulnerability and therefore, when the needs of a dying patient are not met, the meaning of life and its purpose are lost (Panicola, 2011 pg. 325). In addition, the loss of a loved one in pain and suffering is profound. Therefore, euthanasia is in most cases not necessary, what is important is seeking to address the dying patient’s vulnerability and dependence (Panicola, 2011 pg. 325).
What is inadequate currently when it comes to end of life care?
The current End of Life care systems are not adequate. The existing systems do not adequately meet the requirements of patients at their end of life. The inadequacies include among others no coordination when it comes to patient care from inpatient to outpatient (Panicola, 2011 pg. 329). Physicians possess varying skills and expertise hence may not have the needed skills in overseeing and implementing appropriate end of life care.
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care? How are they related?
Palliative care involves providing relief from suffering and offers the best quality of end of life for both the sick and their care givers in the family (Panicola, 2011 pg. 340). This type of care involves management of symptoms and providing assistance in the decision making process. In addition, it includes offering help with aligning treatment to the goals of the sick individual and his/her family, resource mobilization, care models and practical aid. On the other hand, hospice care is offered to patients who no longer benefit from curative medication and are in the last days of their life (Panicola, 2011 pg. 340).
What is medical futility? List three reasons why it is an important issue in contemporary medicine.
Medical futility is a critical medical ethical issue. It is important because it possess crucial questions related to the authority of making decisions during the end of life period (Panicola, 2011 pg. 299). In addition, this ethical issue requires human beings to be mindful of the impact of medicine goals on decision making. Another important reason as to why this ethical issue is important in medicine is the fact that it raises crucial social concerns related to equal distribution or resources in the health care system (Panicola, 2011 pg. 299-300).
Ethical-Religious Directives in Catholic Health Care Services.pdf (Read PART FIVE only)
What is the task of medicine even when it cannot cure? What is indispensable for formulating true moral judgment about the use of technology to maintain life?
Even when it cannot cure, medicine should provide care. Reflecting on the dignity of life in human beings in all aspects and for medical care is an indispensable aspect in development of a true moral judgment in the application of technology to sustain life (Ethical & Religious Directives, 2009 pg. 30). Using technology to maintain life is judged according to the Christian perspectives about life, human suffering and eventual death. By doing this, two extremes which are insistence on technology that is not useful when the patient wants to quit it, and doing away with technology with the aim of resulting death are prevented (Ethical & Religious Directives, 2009 pg. 30).
Explain the difference between ordinary or proportionate means of preserving life and extraordinary or disproportionate means.
An individual has the moral duty to either use proportionate or disproportionate ways in preserving life. Proportionate ways are means that according to a patient’s judgment provide significant hope of reaping benefits and does not impose heavy burden or expenses on either the family members or the community (Ethical & Religious Directives, 2009 pg. 31). On the other hand, disproportionate ways are those that according the judgment of the ailing individual does not give any significant hope of benefits (Ethical & Religious Directives, 2009 pg. 31). In addition, disproportionate means impose too much burden and expenses on both the family and the community.
When (and only when) would medically assisted nutrition and hydration become "morally optional?" Explain why.
Providing food and water to patients including one that which is medically assisted is a major obligation. However, medically assisted hydration and nutrition can become morally optional in cases where from a reasonable perspective cannot prolong life (Ethical & Religious Directives, 2009 pg. 31). In addition, it can be considered morally optional in cases where it causes excessive burden on the patient. In such circumstances, it may lead to physical discomfort that may result from complications because of the means applied.
Reference
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care ... (2009). Retrieved from http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/health-care/upload/Ethical-Religious-Directives-Catholic-Health-Care-Services-fifth-edition-2009.pdf
Panicola, M. R. (2011). Health care ethics: Theological foundations, contemporary issues, and controversial cases . Winona, MN: Anselm Academic.
