Question

A 79-year-old man comes to see you for assistance in ending his life. The patient is fully competent and has been suffering from progressively worsening amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for several years. He is not immediately preterminal. Despite this, he finds his quality of life to be unacceptable. More important, he correctly predicts that his level of function will deteriorate over the next several months and that he may become ventilator dependent. He is requesting that you administer a lethal injection in his home. He is not depressed. His family is aware of his desire and they are willing to honor the patient's wishes. You have discussed appropriate palliative care issues. What should you tell him? a. You tell him that you will honor his wish because he is competent and not depressed. b. You tell him that you will honor his wish because his condition will worsen over time. c. You agree to his wish because he has a right to a better quality of life. d. You tell him that you cannot help him because there is no state law authorizing it. e. You tell him that under no circumstances can you participate in euthanasia. f. You say that it is okay as long as it happens in Oregon.

    A 79-year-old man comes to see you for assistance in ending his life. The patient is fully competent and has been suffering from progressively worsening amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for several years. He is not immediately preterminal. Despite this, he finds his quality of life to be unacceptable. More important, he correctly predicts that his level of function will deteriorate over the next several months and that he may become ventilator dependent. He is requesting that you administer a lethal injection in his home. He is not depressed. His family is aware of his desire and they are willing to honor the patient's wishes. You have discussed appropriate palliative care issues.
What should you tell him?
a. You tell him that you will honor his wish because he is competent and not depressed.
b. You tell him that you will honor his wish because his condition will worsen over time.
c. You agree to his wish because he has a right to a better quality of life.
d. You tell him that you cannot help him because there is no state law authorizing it.
e. You tell him that under no circumstances can you participate in euthanasia.
f. You say that it is okay as long as it happens in Oregon.
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Medical Ethics for the Boards
Medical Ethics for the Boards
Conrad Fischer 3rd Edition
Chapter 1, Problem 66 ↓

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The patient is a 79-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and debilitating condition. He is fully competent, not depressed, and has discussed his wishes with his family.  Show more…

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A 79-year-old man comes to see you for assistance in ending his life. The patient is fully competent and has been suffering from progressively worsening amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for several years. He is not immediately preterminal. Despite this, he finds his quality of life to be unacceptable. More important, he correctly predicts that his level of function will deteriorate over the next several months and that he may become ventilator dependent. He is requesting that you administer a lethal injection in his home. He is not depressed. His family is aware of his desire and they are willing to honor the patient's wishes. You have discussed appropriate palliative care issues. What should you tell him? a. You tell him that you will honor his wish because he is competent and not depressed. b. You tell him that you will honor his wish because his condition will worsen over time. c. You agree to his wish because he has a right to a better quality of life. d. You tell him that you cannot help him because there is no state law authorizing it. e. You tell him that under no circumstances can you participate in euthanasia. f. You say that it is okay as long as it happens in Oregon.
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