Reference no: EM133810958

Scenario

Mr Angle, aged 39, was admitted to the Sanford General Hospital complaining of chest pains, nausea and vomiting. He was given intravenous fluids and antibiotics under the care of the medical team. The next day, Dr Butterman visited Mr Angle in the Acute Admissions Unit, having reviewed his echocardiogram. He looked much better than when she had previously seen him and, in answer to her questions, he denied having any major chest pain. Dr Butterman advised Mr Angle to continue on his antibiotics but did not regard it as appropriate to prescribe ibuprofen, or discuss this treatment with him, because Mr Angle was not in pain at the time when she saw him. On 6 April, Mr Angle was discharged. On 7 April he suffered a cardiac arrest at home from which he died. The coroner ruled that if he had taken ibuprofen he may not have died. His widow wants to bring an action against Sanford General Hospital, alleging that they were vicariously liable for Mr Angle's death, which they say was caused by negligent treatment by Dr Butterman, who should have advised Mr Angle of the potential benefits of taking ibuprofen. Advise the parties on the likely outcomes this claim. Outline clearly the factors a court must consider when deciding such a claim. Consider any ethical issue raised by this scenario.