Topic 1  Because of the pain medication, Gladys Gwynn may not be able to speak for herself. Since she has no relatives to help, is it appropriate for Dr. Johnstone to make the decision about surgery for her? Under the circumstances, is it possible that when Gladys moved into Sunny Meadows they had her sign a Health Care Power of Attorney to someone at the facility? Topic 2  Because the accident happened when Sheri Smith was helping Mrs. Gwynn, do you think Sheri should be held responsible for the accident? Given that Sheri is an employee of Sunny Meadows, should that facility be held responsible? Topic 3  The recovery time for internal fixation surgery is shorter than that following a total hip replacement. The surgery is also less expensive and has a less strenuous recovery period; however, Mrs. Gwynn probably will not be able to walk again. Given the patient’s condition, and the limited dollars available for health care, which procedure should be performed? Topic 4  Would you have answered Question 3 differently if Mrs. Gwynn were your mother? After visiting the Media Links for this chapter, complete this assignment by writing a 2 to 3 paragraph essay about something you learned from one or more of the web sites. Enter the essay in the submission box and submit it. Topic 1  On what basis do you think Aifreight determined that this was a safety violation? Topic 2  Use lay terms to explain Sandor’s injury and the treatment that was required. Topic 3  Sandor knows how to handle heavy loads safety; however, the crate may have slipped because he was busy thinking about his daughter’s birthday party and not about his work. Could the responsibility for this accident be considered negligence on Sandor’s part? Do you think Sandor should be held responsible or is blameless in this situation? Topic 4  It was determined that Airfreight was not responsible for the accident. Therefore, do you think the company should take away Sandor’s job if he does not return in 30 calendar days?

Topic 1: Decision-making for Gladys Gwynn’s Surgery

In the case of Gladys Gwynn, there are several factors that need to be considered when determining who should make the decision about her surgery. Gladys is unable to speak for herself due to the effects of the pain medication, and she does not have any relatives to advocate on her behalf. Therefore, it is important to identify if there is a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) in place that designates someone at Sunny Meadows as her decision-maker.

It is possible that when Gladys moved into Sunny Meadows, she may have signed a HCPOA assigning someone at the facility as her decision-maker. A HCPOA is a legal document that grants an individual the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient if they are unable to do so themselves. If such a document exists, it would be appropriate for the designated person at Sunny Meadows, such as Dr. Johnstone, to make decisions about Gladys’s surgery.

However, if there is no HCPOA in place, the decision-making process becomes more complex. In this situation, it would be important to consider the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Autonomy refers to the right of an individual to make decisions about their own healthcare. Beneficence requires healthcare providers to act in the best interest of the patient, and non-maleficence prohibits causing harm to the patient.

In the absence of a designated decision-maker, it would be appropriate to involve an ethics committee or an ethics consultant to help determine the best course of action. This committee or consultant would consider Gladys’s values, preferences, and any previously expressed wishes regarding medical treatment. They would also consult with the healthcare team and other relevant professionals to weigh the potential benefits and risks of the surgery.

Ultimately, the goal should be to make a decision that aligns with Gladys’s best interests and respects her autonomy as much as possible. This may involve exploring alternative treatment options, considering her prognosis, and gathering input from healthcare professionals who are familiar with her condition.

Topic 2: Responsibility for Sheri Smith’s Accident

In the case of Sheri Smith’s accident while assisting Mrs. Gwynn, the question arises as to whether Sheri should be held responsible and if Sunny Meadows, as her employer, should be held responsible as well.

Determining responsibility in accidents can be complex, and various factors need to be considered. Firstly, it is essential to assess the circumstances of the accident and whether there was any negligence involved. Negligence refers to the failure to take reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person.

In this case, if Sheri’s actions or lack of proper care directly led to the accident, she may be considered responsible. However, it is important to note that accidents can sometimes occur even when individuals prioritize safety and take all necessary precautions.

As an employee of Sunny Meadows, the liability of the facility can also come into question. Employers are generally responsible for the actions of their employees while performing their duties within the scope of their employment. If it can be demonstrated that Sunny Meadows failed in its duty to ensure a safe working environment or adequately train its employees, the facility may share some responsibility for the accident.

To determine liability, an investigation should be conducted to gather all relevant facts. This may involve reviewing witness statements, analyzing safety protocols in place, and assessing the adequacy of training provided to Sheri and other staff members.

Ultimately, assigning responsibility requires a thorough evaluation of the circumstances surrounding Sheri’s accident, considering both her actions and the potential contributory factors. It is crucial to ensure fairness, taking into account any relevant legal, ethical, and professional standards.