2nd LE Specific Questions

Question 1

draw ethical distress diagram

Answer 1

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Question 2

draw ethical dilemma diagram

Answer 2

refer to your phone

Question 3

draw dilemmas of justice

Answer 3

refer to your phone

Question 4

draw locus of authority issues

Answer 4

refer to your phone

Question 5

questions to ask relevant facts

Answer 5

 Is the illness or condition reversible?
 Is the life saving treatment medically useless?
 What is the usual treatment for this type of condition in the community?
 What is needed to relive suffering and provide comfort?
 Is the patient brain dead or in persistent vegetative state?

Question 6

what ethical problem is present

Answer 6

The ethical problem presented in the film Coma primarily revolves around an ethical dilemma. This dilemma is illustrated through Dr. Susan Wheeler’s struggle to uncover the truth behind the mysterious comas occurring in her hospital, which leads her to confront serious moral questions about patient welfare, medical authority, and the integrity of the healthcare system.

1. Patient Welfare vs. Institutional Loyalty: Dr. Wheeler faces a conflict between her duty to protect her patients and the pressure from her colleagues to conform to hospital norms. Her investigation into the comas puts her at odds with powerful figures in the medical community, highlighting the tension between individual ethical responsibilities and institutional expectations.
2. Consequences of Actions: The ethical dilemma also encompasses the implications of exposing the conspiracy involving organ harvesting. Dr. Wheeler must weigh the potential harm to herself and others against the necessity of revealing the truth, which could save lives but also disrupt the status quo of a corrupt system.
3. Justice and Fairness: The film raises questions about justice in medical practices, particularly regarding how patients are treated based on their vulnerability and societal value. Dr. Harris’s actions reflect a significant breach of ethical standards, as he prioritizes profit over patient care, creating a broader ethical dilemma regarding justice in healthcare.

In summary, Coma illustrates an ethical dilemma where Dr. Wheeler must navigate complex moral waters involving her duties as a physician, the integrity of medical practices, and the implications of her actions on both individual lives and societal norms.

Question 7

what ethics approach is used

Answer 7

Dr. Susan Wheeler in the film Coma primarily embodies a deontological ethical approach. This perspective emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral duties and principles, regardless of the consequences.

1. Moral Duty: Dr. Wheeler’s actions are driven by her commitment to her ethical responsibilities as a physician. She prioritizes her duty to protect patients and seeks to uncover the truth behind the alarming number of comas occurring in her hospital, reflecting a deontological focus on doing what is morally right, even when it involves illegal actions like trespassing to gather evidence [1].
2. Adherence to Ethical Principles: Throughout the film, Dr. Wheeler consistently acts in accordance with her belief that she must act in the best interest of her patients. Her investigation into the unethical practices at the hospital showcases her dedication to beneficence—doing good and preventing harm—over personal safety or institutional loyalty [1][4].
3. Rejection of Consequentialism: While a teleological approach would evaluate the morality of actions based on their outcomes, Dr. Wheeler’s commitment to uncovering the truth despite significant personal risk highlights her deontological stance. She believes that exposing the corruption is an ethical obligation that must be fulfilled, regardless of potential negative consequences for herself or her career [5].

In summary, Dr. Wheeler’s ethical framework is rooted in deontological ethics, characterized by her unwavering commitment to her duties as a physician and her moral obligation to protect vulnerable patients from harm.

Question 8

what practical alternatives

Answer 8

In the film Coma, Dr. Susan Wheeler faces significant ethical challenges as she uncovers a conspiracy involving the intentional incapacitation of patients. While her actions are driven by a commitment to patient welfare, there are practical alternatives she could have considered instead of her more drastic measures:

1. Reporting to Authorities: Dr. Wheeler could have reported her suspicions to hospital administration or a medical ethics board. This would allow for an official investigation into the unusual number of comas without risking her safety through illegal actions.
2. Gathering Evidence Collaboratively: Instead of acting alone, Dr. Wheeler could have sought support from trusted colleagues who shared her concerns. Collaborating with other medical professionals might have provided her with additional resources and protection.
3. Consulting Legal Counsel: Engaging a legal expert or an ethics consultant could help navigate the complexities of the situation. This approach would allow her to understand the legal implications of her findings and strategize on how to address them appropriately.
4. Utilizing Whistleblower Protections: If applicable, Dr. Wheeler could have utilized whistleblower protections to report unethical practices without fear of retaliation. This would provide a safer avenue for exposing wrongdoing while adhering to legal and ethical standards.
5. Patient Advocacy Groups: Reaching out to patient advocacy organizations could amplify her concerns and bring public attention to the issue, potentially leading to external investigations without putting herself in immediate danger.

These alternatives emphasize a more systematic and collaborative approach to addressing ethical concerns in healthcare, potentially leading to safer outcomes for both patients and healthcare professionals involved.