Write a 1,200-1,500 word analysis of “Case Study: Healing and Autonomy.” In light of the readings, be sure to address the following questions:Under the Christian narrative and Christian vision, what sorts of issues are most pressing in this case study?Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James?According to the Christian narrative and the discussion of the issues of treatment refusal, patient autonomy, and organ donation in the topic readings, how might one analyze this case?According to the topic readings and lecture, how ought the Christian think about sickness and health? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about trusting God and treating James?Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
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Case Study: Healing and Autonomy
Mike and Joanne are the parents of James and Samuel, identical twins born eight years ago.
James is currently suffering from acute glomerulonephritis, kidney failure. James was originally
brought into the hospital for complications associated with a strep throat infection. The spread of
the A streptococcus infection led to the subsequent kidney failure. James’ condition was acute
enough to warrant immediate treatment. Usually cases of acute glomerulonephritis caused by
strep infection tend to improve on their own, or with an antibiotic. However, James also had
elevated blood pressure and enough fluid buildup that required temporary dialysis to relieve.
The attending physician suggested immediate dialysis. After some time of discussion with
Joanne, Mike informs the physician that they are going to forego the dialysis and place their faith
in God. Mike and Joanne had been moved by a sermon their pastor had given a week ago, and
also had witnessed a close friend regain mobility when she was prayed over at a healing service
after a serious stroke. They thought it more prudent to take James immediately to a faith healing
service instead of putting James through multiple rounds of dialysis. Yet Mike and Joanne
agreed to return to the hospital after the faith healing services later in the week, and in hopes that
James would be healed by then.
Two days later the family returned, and was forced to place James on dialysis, as his condition
had deteriorated. Mike felt perplexed and tormented by his decision to not treat James earlier.
Had he not enough faith? Was God punishing him or James? To make matters worse, James
kidneys had deteriorated such that his dialysis was now not a temporary matter, and was in need
of a kidney transplant. Crushed and desperate, Mike and Joanne immediately offered to donate
one of their own kidneys to James, but they were not compatible donors. Over the next few
weeks, amidst daily rounds of dialysis, some of their close friends and church members also
offered to donate a kidney to James. However, none of them were tissue matches.
James’ nephrologist called to schedule a private appointment with Mike and Joanne. James was
stable, given the regular dialysis, but would require a kidney transplant within the year. Given
the desperate situation, the nephrologist informed Mike and Joanne of a donor that was an ideal
tissue match, but as of yet had not been considered—James’ brother Samuel.
Mike vacillates and struggles to decide whether he should have his other son Samuel lose a
kidney, or perhaps wait for God to do a miracle this time around. Perhaps this is where the real
testing of his faith will come in? “This time around, it is a matter of life and death, what could
require greater faith than that?” Mike reasons.
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