Summary:
Discusses the medical ethics related to suicide and euthanasia of the elderly. Provides a case study.
Mrs. Jones, 78 years old, arrived in the emergency department (ED) via ambulance. She was alert and oriented, but was having episodes of lost consciousness. She was put on the cardiac monitor and her vital signs were obtained. Her cardiac rhythm was normal. Her vital signs were as follows: Temperature 97.3°F, Pulse 43, respirations 26, blood pressure 100/58 and O2 saturation of 94% on room air. Additionally, Mrs. Jones was vomiting and had 2 loose, incontinent stools. She was pale, cool to touch and diaphoretic. Auscultation of her lungs revealed expiratory wheezes.
Her brother reported finding her in her living room on the couch. He reported that she was difficult to rouse, and becoming concerned, he called 911. Prior to the ambulance arriving, Mrs. Jones vomited several times and her brother noted a significant amount of.....
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