Cora is a 40yr old woman who looks years older than her stated age.She has very limited monthly income & no health insurance.Cora smokes 2 & 1half packs of cigarettes per day.She has severe COPD w/ constant dyspnea and frequent exacerbations.The nurse who sees her at a local free clinic is interested in atleast preventing further problems,& speaks 2 cora often about the importance of quitting smoking.The situation bcomes vry frustating 4 all involved when cora returns repeatedly for increasingly severe problems,having failed to quit smoking.Cora ofcourse,bcomes labeled as noncompliant.During a particularly severe exacerbation,the nurse says 2 cora,"u know u r committing suicide by continuing 2 smoke."Cora reply is,"u dn't understand.I live alone.I have no money,no frends,no family & wil never be able 2 work.I know the damage I'm doing but smoking is the only pleasure i have in lifes.
Does Cora have the right to choose to continue smoking?
2006-06-20
23:49:18
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6 answers
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asked by
Anonymous
in
Higher Education (University +)