Introduction to Ethics
Case 3 (Wednesday nights only)
Mary, who is in her late 70s, fell and broke her hip a few months. The pain and long periods of bed rest weakened the once active lady. She needs a significant amount of physical therapy to not just regain use of her legs, but to get her energy back.Because her family has not been able to provide her with the assistance she needs, Mary has moved into a nursing home until she regains her strength.
Mary has expressed a desire to return home as soon as possible. However, that is all dependent upon her recovery.
The doctors were concerned about her recovery and determined that Mary is suffering from depression. So, they prescribed to Mary anti-depressants.
Mary balked at the diagnosis and the idea of taking anti-depressants. She insists that she is not depressed.
The family tells the doctors that Mary comes from an older way of thinking that does not look highly upon psychology. Mary believes that mental issues are something to be ashamed of. And they believe that most of her refusal to take the medication is a result of her feelings.
The doctors, who regularly work with the elderly, have run into this problem in the past.
One doctor suggests that since Mary takes quite a few medications, the anti-depressant could be given to her without her realizing what it is for.
You are her primary care physician and have been asked to play a part in this role. You are afraid that if the depression continues Mary will died, but you also do not want to violate your trust with the patient or deceive your patient.
Would you prescribe the medications without her knowing?
last updated: October 23, 2005