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Spring 2002
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Allocation of
Resources
Determining the Quality of Life
George K is a 25-year-old male who is
unmarried and has no dependents. Medicaid supports him in his
health-care needs, which are considerable since he suffers from muscular
dystrophy. George K is totally paralyzed and therefore confined to bed.
In addition to being quadriplegic, he cannot speak, and he is respirator
dependent through a tracheotomy. Ordinarily he resides in a nursing
home, but periodically he must be brought to the intensive care unit of
a local hospital for crisis care related to the respirator dependency.
He has a woman friend who visits him occasionally as well as a mother
who visits him regularly. George K communicates through smiles and
raising and lowering his eyebrows. He seems to enjoy watching television
and is a great fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Tigers.
Questions
What
assessment should be made of George’s quality of life?
Should discussion be initiated
with George K about withholding treatment in the case of future
crises?
- Can society afford to support, for
long periods of time, individuals who constitute such a drain on
health-care resources?
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Course
Overview