Karen is a 42 year old female who started having seizures and her mental status

Question

Karen is a 42 year old female who started having seizures and her mental status suddenly began deteriorating. After some studies, she was diagnosed with advanced astrocytoma, an inoperable brain cancer. She was advised to undergo radiation and chemotherapy, which offers her the possibility of a couple of months extension of life, but it may also render her blind and not extend her life at all. Based on what you know of autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence, discuss in 2-5 sentences whether Karen should be pressured to consent receiving treatment or have her wishes respected and what ethical principles apply here.

Explanation / Answer

Karen should be not pressured to consent receiving treatment and her wishes should be respected as we should give due respect to the principle of autonomy i.e. the right of competent adults to make informed decisions about their own medical care, as the treatment might deteriorate the quality of her life.

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