Reflection

Ethical Theory:

For this case, I will be applying the ‘Four Quadrant’ approach in order to reveal and evaluate the various ethical dilemmas present in this clinical experience. Initially, developed by Jonsen, Siegler, and Winslade (reference2,3) in 1982, this relatively novel method of ethical analysis provides health care professionals with a practical framework for establishing an association between the circumstances of a case and their underlying ethical dimensions. This system is comprised of a series of specific questions relating to medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual features. Essentially each quadrant addresses an important concept in medical practice, starting with the medical problem itself, the various treatment options available and their corresponding prognoses. The priorities of the patient are then identified and taken into consideration; following which it is important to establish the impact of each outcome on the individual’s health and functional status. Finally, the remaining contextual factors such as any legal and economic issues involved in the case are discussed. This stepwise approach enables the dissection of the primary ethical dilemma into a set of questions that facilitate the thinking process of the clinician and thus help reach an ethically justified decision.

Application of Ethical Tool

Indications for medical intervention

What is the medical problem?

The lady in this clinical scenario was experiencing severe choking as within a matter of seconds she was unable to speak; became progressively wheezy and cyanosed with a slightly blue skin tone; and her attempts of coughing appeared to become weaker and quieter. Seemingly, this was a life threatening emergency...

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...d argue that there is implied consent from the patient’s conduct and that the medical student is touching the patient for the benefit of her care. Conversely, the lack of awareness by the patient of the identity of the medical student could alter the validity of the patient’s consent. Conclusively, unless the patient suffered harm and could establish that the medical student was negligent, any claims by a patient would be feeble.

It is important to note that as of yet there are no specific professional guidelines on such an ethical dilemma for medical students; which in theory would be very useful for others to refer to if faced with similar challenges. In addition, the cultural and religious beliefs of the casualty was unknown and no notable resource allocation issues were present in this scenario, thus such contextual features are extraneous in this case analysis.