Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative

Applying the Four Principles: Case Study
Part 1: Chart (60 points)
Based on the “Healing and Autonomy” case study, fill out all the relevant boxes below. Provide the information by means of bullet points or a well-structured paragraph in the box. Gather as much data as possible.
Medical Indications
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

Patient Preferences
Autonomy

James was originally brought into the hospital for strep throat infection complications. However, the spread of the A streptococcus infection resulted in acute glomerulonephritis after the patient recorded heightened blood pressure and sufficient fluid buildup to warrant temporary dialysis. Owing to delays in treatment (the patient’s parents wished to try a faith healing service first), his kidneys had deteriorated and dialysis was now not a viable solution: a kidney transplant was necessary. James’ nephrologist informed the parents that James was stable now, after regular dialysis, but that he would need a kidney transplant within the year. He suggested Samuel, James’ twin brother, as an ideal kidney donor. His father is worried about having his other son lose a kidney. The clinicians wished to avoid harm while doing also doing good: however, the patient’s parents’ religious beliefs could result in more harm than good.

James is a minor and his parents (Mike and Joanne) are responsible for making healthcare decisions for him. They were initially opposed to the physician’s suggestion of immediate dialysis, deciding instead to place their faith in God. They were having second thoughts after considering a sermon given by their pastor a week ago and also after witnessing a close friend, who had suffered a serious stroke, regain mobility after been prayed over at a healing service. Unfortunately, this delay in decision making resulted in the deterioration of James’ kidneys and a kidney transplant was necessary. After the parents along with close friends and church members were deemed to be incompatible donors, the patient’s nephrologist suggested James’ twin brother, who had so far not been considered, as an ideal donor. Mike is especially worried about having his other son lose a kidney and is struggling to decide if this is another opportunity to wait for God to do a miracle and where the real testing of his faith will come in. The parents’ spiritual beliefs were respected throughout the decision-making process.

Quality of Life
Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy

Contextual Features
Justice and Fairness

The most important thing after the patient was diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis was performing temporary dialysis to relieve fluid buildup. However, owing to the patient’s parents’ underlying religious concerns and a subsequent treatment delay of two days, the patient’s kidneys had deteriorated and a kidney transplant was necessary. James became stable after regular dialysis but would need a kidney transplant within the year. The patient’s nephrologist suggested Samuel, James’ twin brother, as an ideal donor after unsuccessful efforts at finding compatible donors among close friends and church members. All indicati...