The Relationship Between Law and Medical Ethics:
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| A 32 year old woman was admitted to the Trauma Intensive
Care Unit following a motor vehicle accident; she had multiple injuries
and fractures, with several complications which continued to develop
over the first couple of weeks. The patient rapidly developed Adult
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, was on a ventilator, and was continuously
sedated. Shortly after the patient's admission, her parents were contacted
and remained vigilant at her bedside. The parents reported that the
patient was one month away from having her divorce finalized. The
patient's husband was reportedly physically and emotionally abusive
to her throughout their five years of marriage. The parents had not
notified this man of the patient's hospitalization, and reported that
visit by him would be distressing to the patient if she were aware
of it. The patient's soon to be ex-husband is her legal next of kin.
Should the husband be responsible for treatment decisions which the patient cannot make?[4]
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Discussion |
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