07-27-2006, 09:07 PM
An 8-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia has had three relapses over the past 2 years. The only available treatment is experimental chemotherapy. Without treatment, the child is unlikely to survive for more than 6 weeks; with treatment, his prognosis is unknown. The parents do not want further treatment for their son and wish to take him home; the child also says he wants to go home. Which of the following is the most appropriate course of action?
A. Discharge the child against medical advice
B. Discharge the child routinely
C. Petition the court for an order for treatment
D. Report the parents to child protective services for medical neglect
A. Discharge the child against medical advice
B. Discharge the child routinely
C. Petition the court for an order for treatment
D. Report the parents to child protective services for medical neglect