Over-medicating terminal patients

Reference no: EM1387974

Assume that physician, Dr. Robinson is caring for patient, Mr. Mills who is suffering from end stage pancreatic cancer. The patient is in so much pain that he can barely speak enough to communicate the level of discomfort. Dr. Robinson considers administering morphine to Mr. Mills', but feels that there is a reasonable chance that it will shorten Mr. Mills' lifespan. Should the doctor administer the morphine or not?

1. Briefly define the ethical principle of Double Effect in your own words, and explain how it applies specifically to this scenario.

2. Based on your review of the literature related to this practice of over-medicating terminal patients, briefly identify one argument in favor of administering the drug, and one opposing argument.

Reference no: EM1387974

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