| What about an accidental overdose of pain medications? |
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Nancy was suffering from a terrible grief. She believed that the dose she administered her grandfather under the direction of the doctor had killed him. It was 20 years later before she discovered the truth, and a huge burden was finally lifted from her shoulders. What is double effect?
What about an accidental overdose of pain medications? FULL ARTICLE Bob was in terrible pain as his granddaughter Nancy, who was also his caregiver, looked on helplessly. He had run out of pain medication because his use had increased so much. The medications would not be there for 30 minutes - it seemed like 3 years. Finally, after the pharmacy delivered the medication and Nancy injected him with the increased dose prescribed by the doctor, his pain diminished, his whole countenance changed as he visibly relaxed and became comfortable. The whole atmosphere of the room changed too, and Nancy was able to relax again. Later that evening Bob died at home, surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. Nancy however was suffering from a terrible grief. She believed that the dose she administered her grandfather under the direction of the doctor had killed him. It was 20 years later before she discovered the truth, and a huge burden was finally lifted from her shoulders. Known as the doctrine of double effect - pain management with the intent of controlling pain (but not with the intent of causing death) which causes an unintended shortening of life is acceptable. The Catechism of the Catholic Church deals with this at CCC 2279 states “Painkiller use to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable”. The Christian Medical and Dental Association at www.CMDA.org also is a good reference on pain management ethics. It is not necessary to allow fear from an accidental overdose to keep a patient from receiving sufficient pain medication to control their pain. Frequently, once a patient is relieved from pain, they are able to relax and rest comfortably, and let go of their lives. For your loved one, once pain management is in place they may live out their remaining days in comfort and find meaning at the end of life. |