Case Study on Death and Dying Essay Paper

The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and understanding of a diversity of faith expressions; for the purpose of this course, the focus will be on the Christian worldview.

Based on \”Case Study: End of Life Decisions,\” the Christian worldview, and the worldview questions presented in the required topic study materials you will complete an ethical analysis of George\’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview.

Provide a 1,500-2,000-word ethical analysis while answering the following questions:

1.How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?

2.How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?

3.As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?

4.What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?

5.Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?

6.Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George\’s situation?

Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion

Abstract

Death and dying are a reality of life, particularly for persons within the health care industry (patients and medical personnel) who confront the possibility of death at every opportunity. This is particularly so when it is considered that medical interventions and technologies are continuously being advanced with improved quality and scope so that the process of dying has similarly changed. This has similarly changed the definition assigned to death as a concept. In fact, the nature and meaning assigned to death and dying transcends the scientific and biological boundaries, and is not uncommon to involve religious and philosophical arguments. The Christian faith has similarly weighed in on the concept of death through incorporating the presence of an omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and all-power God. Aside from this, Christianity has based its understanding of death on the Bible that is perceived as a divine book carrying instructions from God on how humans should live their life. This facets are explained in the present case that explores the concept of death as an ethical dilemma for an individual diagnosed with ALS, and goes on to offer a Christian perspective on euthanasia as an option for terminally ill patients. In addition, the analysis explores the concept cultural competence among medical personnel, discussing how diversity can result in a difference in opinion.  Case Study on Death and Dying Essay Paper

Case Study on Death and Dying

1. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?

George is a 50-year-old-male adult who have lived an active and full life, and has a successful career. In addition, he engages in sports activities. However, he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and this has changed his life. The diagnosis implies that he is expected to experience deteriorating physical condition. ALS is a degenerative neuronal disease that causes the myelin sheath around motor neurons to deteriorate. George expects to lose vital motor functions over time to include the ability to breath, eat, move and talks (Oliver, Borasio & Johnstone, 2014). In essence, he expects to lose all functions and turn into an invalid. A major concern is that ALS is an incurable medical conditions, and those diagnosed with the condition are expected to have worsening symptoms over time. The Christian narrative is accepting of George’s suffering and considers it as part of life on earth. Every person who lives on earth should consider the suffering as a typical human experience. The Bible is abounding with stories of persons who found favor in God but suffered over the course of their lifetime. Some of the common examples include Jesus Christ who was crucified, the apostles who were persecuted, and Job who lost his family and wealth. George should similarly consider the suffering from the ALS as a part of life on earth and be ready to bear the suffering as other Christians bore the similar suffering in the Bible (Bramadat, Coward & Stajduhar, 2013).

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2. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?

The New Testament in the Bible is based on the notion that Christians will resurrect at the second coming of Christ when they will be rewarded for their faith with a life without suffering in paradise. As the Messiah, Jesus Christ suffering persecution from the Jewish and Roman authorities who considered him a threat. He was eventually crucified over trumped up charged, remained dead for three days, and resurrected before ascending to heaven while leaving a promise to other Christians that he come back to take them to the New Jerusalem/paradise. In that promise, Jesus claims to have acquired dominion over life and death (Taylor, 2012). As a Christian, the same promise applies to George so that he is assured of resurrection if he maintains his Christian faith and lives according to the dictates of the Bible. In fact, he would consider the suffering as a test to determine his worthiness in receiving the grace of Christ, resurrecting on the day of judgment, and living a life without suffering in paradise.

3. As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?

While suffering from an incurable ALS, it would not be surprising for George to contemplate the value of his life and whether or not he should continue living. As a Christian, George should perceive life as sacred regardless of its quality. The Christian faith insists that life is gifted by God and that everything that happens is permitted by God. In addition, the Bible expressly states that there should be no killing. Given that no person has a right to take the life gifted by God, then George should continue living with the ALS even if his quality of life deteriorates (Freeman, 2015). Still, George would have to question his autonomy as a human being and whether or not he continues to be a person bound by the same rules if he loses his autonomy and us unable to make rational decisions owing to the ALS causing his cognitive and physical capacity to deteriorate. Even in the midst of suffering, the Bible notes that no person should intentionally suffer, and that every opportunity should be taken to eliminate suffering. As George contemplates whether or not he should preserve his life with the expected suffering and worsening quality of life, he is forced to ponder whether or not he should continue living and causing his family suffering with no hope of recovery (Oliver, Borasio & Johnstone, 2014). As such, the Christian worldview has George considering between respecting the sanctity of life and protecting the people around him from unnecessary suffering.

4. What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?

The Christian faith considers life as sacred. The Bible mentions that life is a gift from God and should not be taken lightly. In fact, the Bible includes a commandment from God that no human life should be terminated. This is regardless of the quality of life. However, is a need to consider what constitutes human life. ALS is a degenerative condition that results in irreversible loss of physical and cognitive capacities. This raises the question about whether or not George would still be considered an independent person without the capacity for independent thought and when he depends expensive medical equipment and machinery to continue living. Is it worth it for his family to suffer and pay a lot of money to preserve a life that they do not have any hope of eventually preserving or even reversing the degenerative trend. Besides that, the principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence as practiced by Christians insist on not causing intentional harm (Larkin, 2016). Continuing to live while dependent on medical equipment without cognitive independent implies that money is being spent and precious medical resources are being diverted to preserve George’s life when they could be used to save the lives of others. In addition, George will eventually become unproductive and unable to support himself. As he approaches the later stages of ALS, George becomes increasingly reliant on others and this has implications for his family’s wellbeing. Continuing to keep George alive without hope of recovery implies that the family should expect a lifetime of suffering and torment (Freeman, 2015). These are considerations that George must make as he contemplates whether or not to opt for euthanasia.

5. Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?

Given the above considerations and values, the morally justified options would be continuing to live and suffer, or going for euthanasia. The two options ensure that the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice are considered. The principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence focus on not doing any harm so that the choice is whether to harm George by taking his life or harm the family by having them take care of George in his deteriorating condition. The principle of autonomy allows George to discuss options with his family since he will be dependent on them to continue living. The principle of justice ensures that every person involved in the decision is provided with all the relevant information. Having considered the four principles as well as the previous considerations, it becomes clear that euthanasia is morally justified (Larkin, 2016). Allowing George to continue living through medical equipment while he is unable to function, implies that the family will experience psychological, physical and emotional suffering while spending more money. The cost of continuing to provide medical care for George who has no hope of recovery would be financial draining for the family and create the possibility of other activities requiring finances being overlooked, such as the children attending better schools. Opting for euthanasia when George is no longer able to physically and cognitively function would be the right decision. Besides that, opting for euthanasia would also free up medical equipment and personnel for other patients who need them (Taylor, 2012).

6. Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?

Based on my worldview, I would opt for euthanasia if I were in George’s situation. However, I would ensure that euthanasia is only carried out once the medical condition turns me incognizant. This is based on three reasons. Firstly, continued care without the hope of recovery is a costly intervention that does not present any returns. This would drain my financial resources and place financial pressure on my family. Secondly, continued care would involve me using medical personnel and resources that can save the lives of others with hopes of recovery. This would allow me to indirectly save the lives of others even in death. Thirdly, it would allow my family to continue with their life rather than suffering while continuing to preserve my life even when it has no value and there is no hope of recovery. These reasons support my decision to opt for euthanasia.

References

Bramadat, P., Coward, H., & Stajduhar, K. (Eds.) (2013). Spirituality in Hospice Palliative Care. State University of New York Press.

Freeman, B. (2015). Compassionate Person-Centered Care for the Dying: An Evidence-Based Palliative Care Guide for Nurses. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.

Larkin, P. (2016). Compassion: The Essence of Palliative and End-of-life Care. Oxford University Press.

Oliver, D., Borasio, D., & Johnstone, W. (Eds.) (2014). Palliative Care in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: From Diagnosis to Bereavement (3^rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Taylor, E. (Ed.) (2012). Religion: A Clinical Guide for Nurses. Springer Publishing Company, LLC. Case Study on Death and Dying Essay Paper