Jessica P. answered • 02/27/21
New Nurse Here to Help
Patients have the right to make choices about anything and everything they put into and take out of their bodies. We as their care team members must respect the decision. Say for instance a patient is diagnosed with cancer and they do not want Chemo or surgery to remove the tumor because they feel that "God will take care of it." We can educate them on the importance of the procedures and interventions but it is ultimately their decision. The same goes for abortion. It is the patient's body and choice. Education can be given on alternatives like adoption but in the end, they chose. With things like euthanasia, it is a long discussion and much education is given and support. Oftentimes patients (due to state and federal laws) have to go through extensive mental health support before even being eligible for this.
