Multitopic Flashcards
What system does the UK now use for organ donation?
opt-out system
What is the definition of organ donation?
-a surgical operation in which a failing or damaged organ in the human body is removed and replaced with a functioning one
What is the opt-out system?
everyone is automatically on the register unless you specify that you do not want to donate
Signpost the two main arguments for organ donation?
for: autonomy of the general public
against: justice for the patients waiting for organs (transplant list is increasing)
What are the pro opt-out arguments?
A: does not infringe on autonomy, those who don’t want to can opt out
B/N: increases number of organs, help patients waiting for transplants, saving their lives
J: reduces patients relying on expensive machinery like dialysis: reducing the overall cost of the NHS
What the arguments against opt-out system?
A: people may feel coerced into donating their organs
B/N: if people feel forced into donating organs, could cause psychological harm
-decision to opt-out could be stigmatised by society
Consent: could go against a patient’s right to consent to actions carried out on their body
What is your overall opinion on opt-out organ donation?
-autonomy is still maintained by opt-out
-can save many lives
therefore , I am in favour
What is a power of attonery?
a legal document allowing a person to make decisions for a patient if they lose capacity
What are the options other than transfusions?
hemodilution
cell salvage
so the patient is still receiving their own blood
What is the introduction for a Jehovah’s witness question?
Jehovah’s witnesses are a religious sect of Christianity
they often refuse to have blood transfusions because of their beliefs (and accepting a transfusion can act as grounds for expulsion from the faith)
a blood transfusion: given blood from someone else (often life-saving procedure)
What are the arguments for giving the Jehovah’s witness a blood transfusion?
A: unconscious: do not have capacity to consent
B/N: this is life-saving, otherwise it allows the patient to die, ultimate harm
What are the arguments against giving a Jehovah’s witness a blood transfusion?
A: if they have an advanced directive/ a card, making it clear of their wishes, cannot give them a transfusion
Capacity: they may have previously refused a transfusion when in good health so should be respected
B/N: can be expelled from their faith for receiving a BT, negative psychological consequences
What do the Fraser guidelines involve?
the doctor can prescribe oral contraceptive pills without informing the girl’s parents if the girl:
-understands the advice
-cannot be persuaded to tell her parents herself
-that she will continue to have sex with or without the pill
-her physical or mental health are likely to suffer without the pill
As a GP, you prescribe contraceptive pills to a 15-year old girl. The mother discovers and confronts you
What are the main ethical concerns here?
(goes in the introduction)?
daughter’s autonomy and confidentiality
vs.
mother’s beneficence and well-being
As a GP, you prescribe contraceptive pills to a 15-year old girl. The mother discovers and confronts you
What are the pros for disclosure to the mother
B/N: if the mother were aware, she could offer support to her daughter
-may cause psychological harm and worry if we do not disclose it to her
J: what if the daughter was lying and was actually having sex with someone above 16- against the law, putting her at risk
C/C: if mum found the meds with her name on it, then she already knows.
