| Some ethicists
strongly argue that the provision of artificial nutrition is a
necessary aspect of basic human care to patients. One professor of
religion argues that care involved in feeding does not treat a
particular disease but gives the patient what she needs to live.
Others have written of the strong emotions and social obligations
associated with feeding those individuals who depend on others for
nourishment Conversely, the opposing
group insist that the giving of artificial nutrition is not the
same as feeding the hungry. If the patient cannot eat by hand
feeding, a medical procedure, like gastrotomy opening or
intravenous infusion, must be done. Many physicians, ethicists,
judges and professional groups have maintained that tube feeding
is therefore a medical therapy. Justice William Brennan in the
Cruzan decision wrote, "artificial delivery of food and water is
regarded as medical treatment by the medical profession and the
Federal Government."
Therefore, tube feeding as a medical
therapy , is indicated only if the benefit outweigh the burdens.
There are some clinical scenarios in which nutrition and hydration
may not achieve a net benefit.
1.artificial nutrition is futile because
food cannot be absorbed through the gut.
2. patients cannot receive any benefit
because her condition is hopeless like permanent unconsciousness.
3.artificial nutrition creates a
disproportionate burden over benefit, like in terminal patients in
whom increased fluids create more discomfort.
I support the position that tube feeding
is a medical therapy. What do you think?
If you have questions related to this article you may e-mail me
at doctor@soontongkiong.com quoting the contents of the article.
About the author
DR SOON is a medical practitioner. He holds four degrees. MBBS
(University of Malaya), MBA (University of East Asia), LLB (Hons)
(University of Wolverhampton), Master of Medicine (Edith Cowan
University
:
Dr SOON is the owner of AskMyVisitor.com and MyScriptDoctor.com
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information
on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
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