Problem
A 12-year-old girl, Ella, presented to the local emergency department (ED) after Ella's teacher found her disoriented, sweating profusely, and not responding to external stimuli. The school immediately contacted Ella's parents to meet her at the local hospital. The attending ED physician reported that Ella had diabetes and required treatment. Upon arrival at the hospital, Ella's parents requested to sign Ella out of the ED against medical advice. Ella's parents explained that they practice a religion that does not believe in modern medicine. Ella's parents reported that they practice spiritual healing with alternative medicine. The attending physician stated that Ella could suffer severe complications, including death, without proper medical treatment. The attending physician does not know what decision to make and consults with the ethics committee.
Task
1. Discuss the main ethical dilemmas present in this case study.
2. Define the ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy, justice, fidelity, and nonmaleficence.
a. Apply each of these principles to the case study with specific examples.
3. Apply one ethical theory (e.g., deontology, utilitarianism, rights, virtue) to the case study.
4. Use the ethical principles and your chosen ethical theory to guide you in the decision-making process of this ethical dilemma and present a clear and detailed solution to the committee