I recently was posted in the ICCU.We came across a case of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.The patient had complicating left parietal haemmorhage and soon detiorated to maintainence on ventilator.
Howvever the patient couldnt be saved as he was going in for MODS and bloopd pressure was falling drastically.The prognosis was explained to the attendants and they gave us the permission to switch off the ventilator.
The problem was that if one doesnt look over the legal issues is it possible to just gloss over the fundamental question of life and death?I mean the life just means here a switch?
With the brief history of the presnting compaints and the worsening case scenario is it justified that the process of death is hastened?Even when the prognosis doesnt give any hope in the face of accepted medical facts?Is it worth it to utilise scarce medical resources on patients whose death is iminent anyway?
I am not sure whether this rule would apply to me.If you were in this kind of a situation what would you have done?
I feel that religion has a big role to play in decision making.However I want you to examine this issue from a viewpoint thats bereft of your religious/political ideology.
As a physician,as a doctor whos been asked to make that instant decision.
Howvever the patient couldnt be saved as he was going in for MODS and bloopd pressure was falling drastically.The prognosis was explained to the attendants and they gave us the permission to switch off the ventilator.
The problem was that if one doesnt look over the legal issues is it possible to just gloss over the fundamental question of life and death?I mean the life just means here a switch?
With the brief history of the presnting compaints and the worsening case scenario is it justified that the process of death is hastened?Even when the prognosis doesnt give any hope in the face of accepted medical facts?Is it worth it to utilise scarce medical resources on patients whose death is iminent anyway?
I am not sure whether this rule would apply to me.If you were in this kind of a situation what would you have done?
I feel that religion has a big role to play in decision making.However I want you to examine this issue from a viewpoint thats bereft of your religious/political ideology.
As a physician,as a doctor whos been asked to make that instant decision.