In addition to the topic Resources, use the chart you completed and questions you answered in the Topic 3 about “Case Study: Healing and Autonomy” as the basis for your responses in this assignment.
Answer the following questions about a patient’s spiritual needs in light of the Christian worldview.
- In 200-250 words, respond to the following: Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient’s autonomy? Explain your rationale.
- In 400-500 words, respond to the following: How ought the Christian think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in James’s care?
- In 200-250 words, respond to the following: How would a spiritual needs assessment help the physician assist Mike determine appropriate interventions for James and for his family or others involved in his care?
Remember to support your responses with the topic Resources.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Benchmark Information
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:
BS in Health Sciences 1.2; BS Nursing (RN to BSN ) 5.2
Assess for the spiritual needs and provide appropriate interventions for individuals, families, and groups
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In this assignment, we will be exploring the topic of spiritual needs in light of the Christian worldview as it relates to the “Case Study: Healing and Autonomy.” We will answer three questions on this topic, reflecting on the ethical and moral considerations for medical professionals, as well as addressing the role of spirituality in patient care.
1. Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient’s autonomy? Explain your rationale.
As medical professionals, we have an obligation to provide patients with the best possible care according to our training and expertise. However, we must also respect their right to make their own decisions about their treatment, even if these decisions contradict our professional judgment. In the case of Mike and James, it is important to assess the nature and severity of James’s illness and its impact on his quality of life. If his condition is severe and progressive, it may be necessary to intervene with medical treatment, even if this goes against Mike’s wishes. However, if James’s condition is stable and not life-threatening, the physician may choose to respect Mike’s autonomy and allow him to make decisions that seem irrational or harmful, as long as James’s safety and well-being are not compromised.
2. How ought the Christian think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in James’s care?
The Christian worldview views sickness and health as part of God’s plan for our lives. We believe that God can heal, but we also recognize the importance of medical intervention as a means of facilitating healing. As a Christian, Mike should seek both medical and spiritual guidance in making decisions about James’s treatment. He should reason about trusting God by seeking guidance from the Bible, prayer, and the wisdom of trusted Christian leaders. At the same time, he should consider the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, which require us to do good and avoid harm to others. Ultimately, Mike should strive to honor these principles by seeking medical intervention when appropriate, while also pursuing spiritual guidance and support.
3. How would a spiritual needs assessment help the physician assist Mike determine appropriate interventions for James and for his family or others involved in his care?
A spiritual needs assessment can help the physician gain a better understanding of the patient’s spiritual beliefs and values, which can inform the development of a care plan that is sensitive to the patient’s needs and preferences. By assessing the patient’s spiritual needs, the physician can identify areas of potential conflict or concern and work with the patient (and family, if applicable) to find solutions that respect the patient’s beliefs while also providing effective medical treatment. An assessment can also help the physician identify spiritual resources (e.g., chaplains, support groups) that may be helpful to the patient and family. Overall, a spiritual needs assessment can lead to a more holistic and compassionate approach to patient care, promoting both physical and spiritual healing.
