Euthanasia

[acurarte]

I realize this subject is taboo and I recently took an oath not to ever perform it. However, what are your real feelings about it? Should it be so taboo???? I am interested to see your response.

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[mddo2b]

Before started my clerkships I was disgusted by the very idea of euthenasia. After my surgery and medicine rotations, my views and definitions of life changed dramatically. Mearly exsisiting on a vent is not living. I believe that people have the right to die with dignity.
Just my 2 cents

 

[acurarte]

I agree. It was my first week of internal medicine that I felt like I was just prolonging the torture of one patient who had an inevetible death. Sad! I felt as though I treated my dog with more dignity at his time of death.

 

[ThePreacher'sWife]

As a nurse of 13 years I understand your frustration when you see a dying and suffering patient who's life is merly prolonged at our hands (ie healthcare workers). But I have to ask what the specific cirumstances were. Did the patient have a living will or power of attorney? Was the family making decisions for the patient?
Personally I think euthanasia IS wrong, but I don't see anything wrong in witholding treatment if the patient requested it. On the other hand, I think it's just as bad to continue aggressive treatment in a patient who is dying and no longer wants to treatment.