Introduction The purpose of this essay is to provide a brief analysis of the Theresa Schindler-Schiavo (A.K.A. Terri Schiavo) story and the use of advanced directives. This paper will summarize her controversial “Terri’s” story, define advanced directives as well as the scope in which they are used, and Theresa along with her husband could have benefited from an advanced directive. The primary focus is the proper use of advanced directives.
Terri’s Story In February 1990, a then 26 year old Terri Schiavo suddenly collapsed in her Florida home. She placed on a ventilator and given a feeding tube. After a few weeks, she was able to breath on her own and the Endotracheal Tube was removed. However, due to the extensive loss of brain functions from the lack of oxygen to her brain, she was to …show more content…
This document can be used to name a proxy to make decisions on their behalf, provide explicit instructs to their surrogate as well as the Healthcare Provider on how they should be taken care of. It is important to note that advanced directives do not give a proxy the power to make decisions that are not related to medical care such as property or non-medical finances.
When someone loses the capacity to make decisions or understand the information provided by medical staff they are unable to give informed consent (Why do you need an Advanced Directive, 2016). Medical staff will do their best to contact a close family to assist with deciding how their loved one should be cared for. If the patient verbally communicated their wishes to a friend or family member, their may be some direction, however, that person’s account may be challenged by another friend or member of the family. An advanced directive is the best tool to solidify one’s