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An 89-year-old nursing home resident is alert, is oriented, and has provided informed consent for an elective surgical procedure. The daughter is protesting about her mother receiving the procedure and insists that the surgery be canceled. The provider researches the ethical and legal issues associated with the situation before taking action.

Which action should the healthcare provider take based on that review?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The healthcare provider should respect the informed consent of the mentally capable 89-year-old resident despite her daughter's protests, adhering to ethical and legal standards that prioritize patient autonomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The healthcare provider should respect the informed consent given by the alert and oriented 89-year-old resident. The provider should consider the patient's autonomy and ability to make decisions for herself, especially when she is deemed to be legally and mentally capable of providing consent.

In this scenario, if the patient is mentally capable and has given informed consent, it is within her rights to accept or refuse medical treatment, despite the daughter's objections. In terms of health ethics, the autonomy of the patient typically supersedes family members' wishes, unless the patient lacks the capacity to make informed decisions. According to health care ethics, patient consent is essential, and it is legally and ethically wrong to perform procedures without it, as it would violate principles of autonomy and informed consent. In considering historical cases such as Henrietta Lacks, modern healthcare deeply emphasizes the legality and ethical importance of informed consent.

As society grapples with issues of elder care, proactive quality-of-life decisions, and lifetime planning, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to acknowledge the informed choices and autonomy of elderly patients. It is not just a legal obligation but also an ethical commitment to respect their decisions and provide care that aligns with their wishes and well-being.

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