Ethical Decision Making

Ethical Decision Making

Case Study:

Mrs Suzuki is a 69-year-old Japanese woman admitted to your ward for an abdominoperineal resection for colon
cancer.    She  speaks  a  little English.    Her  son  and  daughter  in  law  have  been  liaising  with  staff  on  behalf  of  Mrs
Suzuki; and the surgical resident obtained consent for Mrs Suzuki’s operation by using her daughter in law as
interpreter.

Two days after Mrs Suzuki’s surgery, the ward clerk, who speaks Japanese, tells you that Mrs Suzuki is asking why
she has a colostomy and how long it will be necessary. Mrs Suzuki’s daughter in law is currently visiting Mrs Suzuki
so you ask to speak to her. She tells you that the family does not want Mrs Suzuki to know she has cancer as she
would give up the will to live.

What do you believe is the ethical course of action and why?