Tube Feeding Prolonging Life - 2291 Words

Abstract This paper is written to discuss the ethical dilemma we come across when asking our self whether or not we should place a tube feeding in a patient with a history Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Will this prolong the patients’ life or just the inevitable death? Most often a decision needs to be made regarding the placement of a tube feeding. The question is not initiated by the patient themselves. This is the reason why educating our patients are so important. In this paper I will discuss how important the role of the healthcare professional plays in advocating for a patient. To help answer this ethical dilemma several issues will be explored. I will focus on the seven principles of ethics, education, utilitarianism, top-down†¦show more content†¦Doctors often encourage the idea of a PEG or other available routes of feeding tubes. This is suggested when the patient has failed there swallow evaluation or has a history of aspiration pneumonia. According to Vit al et.al. (2006) these reasons are not evidence based and may reveal discrepancies among healthcare professionals and their knowledge of advanced Dementia disease. Vital et. Al. (2006) also suggests that physicians may need improved education with regards to end stage dementia because they apparently lack understanding about the risks and benefits of artificial feeding. Taking this all into debate, development of knowledge is crucial aspect in maintaining and providing good care in an end of life process. Principles of Ethics If a patient has comorbidity such as Alzheimer’s disease, it is important that a healthcare proxy is designated. A healthcare proxy should be appointed when the patient is still has decision making capabilities. This is performed to help make medical decisions for the patient when they are unable to do so themselves. Autonomy refers to an individual’s right to self- rule or governs one’s self (Beauchamp Childress, 2009). Autonomy is refer to the individual right to make his or her own decision regarding their health care needs. This is respected in the health care setting. Without a living will or healthcare proxyShow MoreRelatedThe Bioethics Of Prolonging Life Of The Terminally Ill1270 Words   |  6 PagesThe Bioethics of Prolonging Life of the Terminal Ill Prolonging life of the terminally ill is a bioethical decision. Bioethics is the study of controversial ethical issues that have come about due to advances in biology, medicine, and technology. Some think it is a simple decision on whether to let the pacemaker run or turn off, while others agree that it is a much harder decision than that. The decision of prolonging life comes with medical, moral, financial and legal obstacles (Butler 2013)Read MoreProlonging Life Of The Terminally Ill1261 Words   |  6 PagesProlonging life of the terminally ill is a bioethical decision. Bioethics is the study of controversial ethical issues that have come about due to advances in biology, medicine, and technology. Some think it is a simple decision on whether to let the pacemaker run or turn off, while others agree that it is a much harder decision than that. The decision of prolonging life comes with medical, moral, financial and legal obstacles (Butler 2013). Making health decisions is a big part of one’s lifeRead MoreLegal And Ethical Concerns Of Nursing Health Care1182 Words   |  5 PagesThis paper will discuss the assigned case study, regarding Mrs. Ann, who is seventy-seven years old and she was diagnosed with moderately advance Alzheimer’s disease. Mrs. Ann health has progressively started to decline and she is requiring a feeling tube. Before Mrs. Ann health declined, her wishes were not to be hooked up to a breathing machine, if there are no chances of survival. Mrs. Ann is unable to communicate the wishes of her plan of health care. The decision regarding her plan of health careRead MoreFeeding Tube Refusal Dilemma Essay1078 Words   |  5 PagesFeeding Tube Refusal Dilemma A 28 year old female with cerebral palsy and debilitating arthritis is in the hospital for treatment. She is immobile and unable to perform basic tasks on her own. Due to her condition, she is having trouble eating and in order to help, the doctor believes that a feeding tube (PEG tube) should be surgically inserted. When told about the treatment, the patient refuses surgery. She is deemed competent and understands her situation. In this situation, I propose that theRead MoreFeeding Tubes Essay1343 Words   |  6 Pagesdecisions may mean the life or death of a loved one. The decision of whether or not to administer artificial nutrition and hydration as a form of life support is one decision that some people have to make. I feel that tube feedings, while okay for short term use are fine, but they should not be used as a form of long term care because the risks outweigh the benefits of having a feeding tube. A tube feeding is a medical procedure that people can accept or deny. Feeding tubes provide a chemicallyRead MoreThe Is An Umbrella Term For Brain Disorders That Affect Memory, Thinking And Communication908 Words   |  4 Pagesweight loss. To combat the rapid weight loss, tube feeding is used as a common practice. There is legal and ethical controversy regarding the use of artificial methods of feeding. Ethical implications include arguments of withholding or removing tube feedings can be viewed as euthanasia or can it be beneficial to the patient or a burden. Legal implications include if advance directives are not present is it the patient’s wish to be placed on a feeding tube? To prevent legal liability or penalties manyRead MorePharmacological And Medical Technology Advances1510 Words   |  7 Pages Imagine having to make the decision to take a loved one off a ventilator or removing a tube feeding. What would they want? Would they want to live in a nursing home, connected to â€Å"tubes,† possibly without a means to communicate or care for themselves? How would they define â€Å"Quality of Life†? Have you ever discussed with them what their wishes are if they are unable to speak for themselves? Have they discussed it with family or friends? Did they write t heir wished down anywhere? WouldRead MoreEssay on The Terri Schiavo’s Case Analysis1037 Words   |  5 Pagesdecisions for himself or herself, their caregivers and those who know them are appointed to make the decisions based on what the patient would have wanted. This is called surrogate decision making. According to the article Terri Schiavo and End-of-Life Decisions â€Å"when surrogate decision makers and caregivers cannot agree upon what that choice would have been, they may turn to the courts to determine either what the now-incapacitated patient would have chosen or who is best suited to choose as theRead MoreShould Euthanasia Be Legal?1360 Words   |  6 Pagesconduct that brings about an easy and painless death for persons suffering from an incurable or painful disease or condition† (Muckart, et al 259). Euthanasia, also dying with dignity, is the practice of the termination of a terminally ill person s life in order to relieve them of their suffering. Eut hanasia is one of today’s most controversial health issues with debates on people’s right to die or live. It is a topic that has been debated morally, ethically and legally. It has been described as oneRead MoreAn Ethical Case Study On End Of Life Care2332 Words   |  10 PagesStudy on End of Life Care Before the advancement of medical technology to prolong the lives of patients with lethal conditions, end-of-life care did not involve many discussions of ethics or morals. Even just a hundred years ago, it was common to speak of letting nature run its course. Today, patients and their relatives have many more options to utilize medical devices in hospital intensive care units to prolong life, whether that entails resuscitation, ventilation, or artificial feeding and hydration