Seventy-eight-year-old Mr. Harod has been a long-term resident of the retirement community. Although mentally sharp, his condition has declined in the past several months and he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He has declined treatment, stating that he understands his poor prognosis and would rather spend whatever life he has left unbothered by the stress and side effects of treatment,
Last month Mr. Harod was transferred to the nursing home section of the retirement community. You have noticed several individuals regularly visiting him and learn from another resident that these people are part of a group who support assisted suicide,
A few days later, when entering Mr. Harod’s room for morning rounds, you find him deceased. By his bed are several papers that describe who to contact and what plans to make. You are aware that the people who had been visiting had been there the night before and spent considerable time in a private meeting with Mr. Harod.
One of the residents comments that Mr. Harod “went out on his own terms,” It appears several of the residents support his choice; it was, in fact, suicide.
What should you do in this situation?
*Please note that I live in Texas and assisted suicide is illegal and prohibited in Texas. Please research nursing responsibilities related to this scenario
APA Format and references must be within the past 5 years, no references earlier than 2015 should be used
