Value of Life in the Face of Terminal Illness - Essay Sample

Introduction

As my mother used to tell me if you want to know how valuable something or someone is to you, then you have to lose it or remove it, and then indeed, you will understand what is essential. I believe that the same logic applies here-when you are about to die, then at that moment, you will realize how valuable life is or was. And for this reason, I will recognize that life is critical.

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"How Do You Feel About the Use of Life-Sustaining Measures in The Face of Terminal Illness? Permanent Coma? Irreversible Chronic Illness, Such as Alzheimer's Disease?"

I believe that there is an ethical and humanistic approach to live sustaining measures. But as for me, I do not agree with the life-sustaining standard. And this is because I believe that terminally ill persons are eventually going to pass on, and sustaining them will be costly and a painful experience for their loved ones. Additionally, I believe that these kinds of resources can be used to help another needy person who is not terminally ill. However, I believe that it is the responsibility of the clinicians to make life more comfortable for the patients at this time.

"Do You Have Strong Feelings About Particular Medical Procedures? Some Procedures to Think About Include: Mechanical Breathing (Respirator), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Artificial Nutrition and Hydration, Hospital Intensive Care, Pain Relief Medication, Chemo or Radiation Therapy, and Surgery."

I believe that if there is a way to make someone curable or survive and if that person has a chance to survive should be taken. This means that if an individual is not terminally ill and that they are not in hospice, then all efforts should be employed. It is also imperative that in the process of decisions concerning this that the quality of life should also be assessed. Consequently, I believe that to relieve the patient's suffering, they should be given pain medications.

"What Limitations to Your Physical and Mental Health Would Affect the Health Care Decisions You Would Make?"

I firmly believe that this will be dependent on the kind of ailment that I am suffering from. For instance, if I am in unbearable pain, and there does not exist the much-needed quality of life, then I would not want to prolong y suffering. On the contrary, if I have a chance to live a healthy life with my diagnostics, then I would take all measures to ensure I live a happy and responsible life.

"Would You Want to Be Placed in A Nursing Home If Your Condition Warranted?"

Honestly speaking, I am not confident of this; having worked in the healthcare sector, I have witnessed the way people are treated in nursing homes. Some nursing homes treat their patients well, and others do not look at them at all. However, it is essential to state that I would not want to put my children under pressure to take care of me. However, if I had enough resources at my disposal, then I would hire someone to taker care of me that is a home nurse.

"Would You Want to Have Financial Matters Taken into Account When Treatment Decisions You Would Make?"

Absolutely yeas, I would like all the financial matters to be taken into consideration. I would not prefer to be put into a situation I would suffer in one way or another. In the instance that the only way to save my life is through a particular procedure or treatment, then I would not take the cost of it. However, on the contrary, if there are other alternatives and cheaper options, then I would consider them.

"Would You Prefer Hospice Care with The Goal of Keeping You Comfortable in Your Home During the Final Period of Your Life As an Alternative to Hospitalization?"

Comfort is essential at this time, and then yes, I would highly prefer hospice care. I would prefer to die a painless as well as a comfortable death possible. Additionally, I would highly prefer to be in my house and my bed as I feel the most comfortable environment for me is when I am at my home.

"In General, Do You Wish to Participate or Share in Making Decisions About Your Health Care and Treatment?"

Regarding my heartcare or treatment, I believe that I must be involved in the decision-making process. The reason being I do not like people making decisions for me or someone's decision something for me that I would not like. Also, religion-wise, there are things I would not want to be done to my body.

"Would You Always Want to Know the Truth About Your Condition, Treatment Options, and The Chance of Success of Treatments?"

This is very difficult for any patient. I would like to always be on the know about my condition. I believe that if a person is well informed and kept on the loop about their health, then they can make the best decision for themselves. By so doing then I would except any of my loved ones from deciding for me that they might regret the least of their lives.