Question

George Hall is a 91-year-old man visiting his physician to

receive the results of a recent computed tomography
scan of his abdomen. He is cognitively intact and still
works 2 days a week. He is accompanied by his daughter
Eleanor. She takes the doctor aside before the appointment
and says, "Please do not tell my father any bad
news. It would just kill him." If the physician were to
agree, which ethical principles might this violate?
a. Paternalism
b. Autonomy
c. Authenticity
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

Answer 1

If the physician were to agree with Eleanor's request to not tell her father any bad news, it would violate the ethical principles of autonomy and authenticity.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the physician were to agree with Eleanor's request to not tell her father any bad news, it would violate the ethical principle of autonomy. Autonomy refers to a person's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare and be fully informed about their medical condition. By withholding information from George Hall, the physician would be denying him the opportunity to exercise his autonomy and make informed choices about his health.

Additionally, it could also violate the ethical principle of authenticity. Authenticity in healthcare involves being honest and truthful with patients. By keeping George Hall in the dark about his medical condition, the physician would not be acting authentically and could undermine the trust between the patient and the healthcare provider.

In summary, if the physician were to agree with Eleanor's request, it would violate the ethical principles of autonomy and authenticity.