Question

amu lives with deep rooted colon cancer that is took care of by the nursing team in the ogy department of a general hospital in Addis Ababa, Black Lion Hospital. Habtamu diagnosed with colon cancer seven years ago but refused medical and surgical treatment - time. He chose to seek alternative treatment and did not follow up with the urologist hat seven year period. After several diagnostic tests over a period it was discovered that incer had metastasized to his bones, it had spread locally to his lymph nodes and the ry tumor was invading the bladder and partially obstructing the left kidney. Habtamu everal admissions over a two month period for various reasons. On the last admission was told that he may only have less than two months to live after oscopy showed further extensive growth of the tumor, it was determined that any r surgical medical intervention would not be appropriate in this case and that ative care regimen was the next step. At this point the patient reported to the health eam that he had resigned himself to the fact that he was going to die. Habtamu pulled the author's colleagues aside and confided to the nurse that he planned to kill himself at is was a secret that the nurse was not to tell anyone. Does the decision made by the t is moral or immoral? Why? If you were in the place of nurse what do you do?​

Answer 1

The decision made by Habtamu to refuse medical and surgical treatment for his colon cancer, and instead seek alternative treatment, ultimately led to the deterioration of his condition and the belief that he only had a short time to live. The decision to seek alternative treatment may have been based on personal beliefs or mistrust of the medical system. However, this decision ultimately led to the progression of his cancer and the limited options for treatment at this stage.

The decision made by Habtamu to end his own life is a personal one and it is not for anyone to judge whether it is moral or immoral. However, as healthcare professionals, it is our duty to support and respect the patient's autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own health and well-being.

If I were in the place of the nurse, I would first try to understand the reasons behind Habtamu's decision to end his life and offer emotional support and resources for coping with his terminal illness. I would also inform the rest of the healthcare team about his decision and make sure that he receives appropriate palliative care, including pain management and emotional support. I would also consider connecting him with a counselor or a social worker to support him in his decision. Additionally, I would also make sure that the patient is aware of all the available options and the potential consequences of his decision, and provide him with the necessary information to make an informed decision.