Ethical analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ethical analysis - Essay Example The treating physician has to maximize the benefits and decrease the harm for his/her patient .However, there are times when the physician, the patient and/or patient`s family might find it difficult to proceed; due to the fact that harm and benefit are not in a balance. In the case of J.R., the patient was complaining of leg pain for which he sought medical consultation. Further, the medical consultation resulted in a recommendation for a bone biopsy; a biopsy which showed bone cancer. The physician decided to start the treatment immediately. The treatment was chemotherapy with a chance of leg amputation. But it was not clear what was the probability of amputation. Considering the medical situation, a decision to disclose the information regarding the treatment plan with a chance of leg amputation will result in a psychological harm to the patient. The harm is that the patient knows the diagnosis before the graduation. Another harm would be expected when the patient gains an access to his lab results and knows the diagnosis by himself. This will prevent the patient from enjoying the graduation. The physician is facing a challenge to his duty in truth telling. This quadrant is derived directly from the ethical principle of respect for patient autonomy. Furthermore, this deals with what the patient prefers if he is competent and his presumed wishes if he is not competent. J.R. is a competent adult. This is clear when the treating physician had obtained J.R permission to speak to his parents after the surgery.This suggest that the physician had assessed the capability of J.R and realized that the patient has the right for confidentiality and to choose whom to share the medical information with. What is the preference of this capable adult? This is unknown with regards to this particular case; however, it is related that the mother`s preference is to let her son fully enjoy the graduation which will not be possible if