For the case of aspiration pneumonia, the physician is obliged to treat this condition by administering antibiotics. However, it is also important to discuss with the family that the patient is at risk for continued bouts of pneumonia or respiratory distress, regardless of the placement of the PEG tube (Kuo et al. , 2009). The plan to let the family know the possible outcome of dementia patients who experience swallowing problems and the concurrent administration of Aricept for mental stability is both objective and sensible. The decision of the family should thus be followed, especially when the patient is incapable of deciding for himself.
The most unprejudiced approach to issues such as the attachment of a PEG tube to a dementia patient with swallowing problem is to consider the entire condition of the patient and determine the best procedure that would alleviate his pain (Sampson et al. , 2009). It is definitely not advisable to use the “If this were me” concept because physicians should look into each medical condition without any bias, such as that of assuming that the patient were one’s parent. It is also advised that physicians do not treat their family members, as there will always be strong bias with regards to decisions regarding treatment plans for the patient.
PART B Both sides of the debate of the role of medical professionals have strong points regarding their involvement in the executions of prisoners sentenced to death. On the part of medical board, it is true that physicians should do no harm to any patient and this is simply presented in an event such as the death sentence through lethal injection. The other side of the discussion also has a point, that only a medical professional can determine whether a prisoner has indeed expired under the conditions implemented by the death sentence.
Based on the arguments of both sides, the most objective response is that medical professionals should indeed be involved in the executions, as they are mandated to perform activities that are related to the human body. However, there is a need to further explain and justify why these medical professionals are required to assist in these events. Firstly, the death sentence was not imposed by the medical professional but by the court itself and thus the physician is requested to assist the court of law in determining whether the prisoner has indeed expired after the procedure (Johnson, 2008).
Secondly, the medical professional should be able to understand that despite their oath to heal and not inflict pain or death, he should be reminded that the venue for the death sentence is not in a hospital but in a prison and thus his medical capabilities are needed only for validation (Bruce, 2008). PART C It is indeed best to approach each medical case with objectivity and empathy. The Terry Schiavo case has caused much outrage from the public, especially when the feeding tube was disconnected from the patient.
However, it is without prejudice that her condition of persistent vegetative state has been established and fully determined to be irreversible (Wijdicks, 2006). With proper presentation and discussion of this condition with the family, it is thus objective and rightful that the feeding tube be removed if the family has wished for that action (Noirhomme et al. , 2008). It would be more harmful for both the patient and the family if the feeding tube were retained for an indefinite time, as this simply indicates that the patient is surviving through gadgets and equipment that are attached to her body.
As for the case of Mr. Chisholm, there is indeed a need for a review of his condition as he has progressed to a cognitive state and has regained the ability to speak. It is definitely of utmost importance to assess the quality of life of every patient, as this may determine the success of a treatment. Palliative care should also be regularly checked, especially to determine whether such activities are indeed augmenting the condition of the patient. Should it be determined that these activities do not make any difference to the patient, then this is an indication for the need to re-evaluate the patient in a holistic manner and re-design his treatment and care.