Medical Ethics

In your project this week, you will explore advanced directives, torts and your role in healthcare while respecting patient’s rights. You will be evaluated on each project on the accuracy of your responses, the completeness of your responses, your ability to think critically about each situation and your overall writing ability. Your responses to the questions below should be constructed in complete sentences using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation. In addition to the grading standards found in the syllabus, projects will also be graded on accuracy and application of course materials. Each answer should be at least one paragraph in length, include supporting facts from the textbook, and an in-text citation.

Your project should be submitted to the Dropbox by the end of Unit 4.

Name: Amanda Gordy

Unit 4 Project Questions

1. What is the purpose of having an advance directive?

Advance directives are important because they state a patient’s intentions for healthcare related decisions and in some instances names someone as a proxy to make decisions for the patient. A proxy is a statement that gives written authorization so that someone can act on the patient’s behalf. An advance directive is a written document which states the amount and what type of care a patient wishes to receive in the event of a terminal illness and as death approaches. These documents provide protection for both patients and physicians. Advance directives provide assurance to patients that their wishes will be followed once they reach the point that they are unable to express their wishes. Physicians are provided assurance by these documents by knowing that they are acting within the patient’s wishes. (Fremgen, 2009, p. 102)

2. There are four types of advanced directives listed in your text. Please list and describe three of them:

• Living Will: This is a document that a patient draws up before becoming incompetent or unable to make...