Reference no: EM133383194

Assignment:

You are working in a residential home for clients with a history of substance abuse. You are in charge of the client M. Ortiz, a 60-year-old man with a history of alcohol dependence and aggressive prostate cancer. Mr. Ortiz was diagnosed with prostate cancer seven years ago, but at that time he refused medical and surgical treatment. He chose to seek alternative treatment and did not follow up with the urologist during that seven year period. After further diagnostic examination, it was found that the cancer had metastasized to his bones, had spread locally to his lymph nodes, and the primary tumor was invading his bladder and partially obstructing his left kidney.

Mr. Ortiz had several admissions over a two month period for various reasons. At the last admission, he was told that he had between 4 to 6 weeks to live (previously it was 6 to 12 months) and the doctors told him that any further surgical/medical intervention would not be appropriate in this case and that a palliative care regimen was what was left.

Mr. Ortiz told the residential home interprofessional team when he returned from his appointment that he was going to die and he wanted that process to happen quickly. After the meeting ends, Mr. Ortiz calls you and tells you that he was going to take his own life because he did not want to suffer for a long time but that it was a secret and that you should not tell anyone. You explain to him that he cannot keep this secret because his life is in danger and you must tell the interprofessional team.

You proceed to indicate the equipment and it is decided to explain to the client the possibility of medical aid in dying and the team proceeds to bring the client together to explain medical aid in dying, and the client agrees. After several days, the client observes himself during the interventions with you head down, makes little eye contact, and verbalizes: "I suppose you consider me a coward for accepting medical aid in dying. Everyone judges me, but no one is in my shoes, no one knows the immense pain I feel, having to face death in oblivion, without relatives, without anyone, just... I guess he won't even accept accompany me in this process, I understand you, but you are the only professional who has treated me with respect and understanding, thank you for everything you have done for me."

Use the following case of Mr. Ortiz to answer the following questions.

1. Were you correct in directing the interprofessional team to verbalize the client's suicidal ideation? Because?

2. What is the role of the nursing professional in the client's decision making?

3. Can you accompany the client during the process?

4. Can you administer the medication to help the client die? Because?

5. What should your support consist of, if you decide to accompany the client?

6. How did you feel about this task?