sterilization disabled girl

Question 1

task

Answer 1

You are working in a general practice. Mrs Davis is a widow and has been a patient of yours for
approximately twelve years.
She has a 14-year-old daughter Evelyn, who has a significant intellectual disability. Evelyn has
also been a patient under your care since the family moved to the suburb 12 years ago. Evelyn
also suffers from epilepsy, has an ataxic gait and significant behavioural problems.
While able to dress and feed herself Evelyn requires significant assistance with washing and is
not capable of any form of independent living.
Mrs Davis, now 54 years old, is concerned that Evelyn’s behavioural problems will be
exacerbated with the onset of menstruation. Mrs Davis is also extremely anxious as to her own
ability to care for Evelyn during her menstrual cycle and has the clear view that Evelyn would be
intellectually incapable of understanding the physiological changes to her body in addition to
being physically incapable of meeting her own hygiene needs.
As Evelyn has been cared for solely by her mother, and requires high levels of supportive care,
Mrs Davis has decided that she will approach you to organise for Evelyn to undergo a
hysterectomy and oophorectomy.
Today Mrs Davis has made an appointment to talk to you about this operative procedure for
Evelyn.
YOUR TASK IS TO:
* Respond to the mother’s questions and provide information to her about the consent
required prior to the operative procedures she is seeking for her daughter.