Welcome to the first edition of Ethics Consult -- an opportunity to discuss, debate (respectfully), and learn together. We select an ethical dilemma from a true patient care case. You vote on your decision in the case. And next week, we'll reveal how you all made the call. And stay tuned, we have an MD/JD/ethicist who will weigh in with an ethical and legal framework to help you learn and prepare.
Tattoo = End of Life Plan?
Patient arrives in ER unconscious after suffering a heart attack while jet skiing on vacation. He has 'Do Not Resuscitate' tattooed on his anterior chest wall. Underneath the DNR, appeared a signature. But the first responder ambulance crew restarted via defibrillator. Upon arrival at the hospital, he stabilizes but then hours later his condition declines and has another heart attack.
This week's Ethics Consult was inspired by this recent post by our blogger, Fred Pelzman, MD.
See the results and what an MD/JD/ethicist had to say.
Leave comments below to explain your decision and discuss the dilemma further! And please send in ethical dilemmas you've faced for consideration to editorial@medpagetoday.com.
This should be obvious, but we'll say it anyway -- this is not to be construed in any way as legal advice. Any similarity to actual people is coincidental.