In bruces case in preparation for the scan a nurse

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….………..……
In Bruce’s case, in preparation for the scan a nurse was supposed to give Bruce tap water
combined with a fluid used to enhance contrast in medical images. As Bruce was ‘nil by
mouth’ the nurse injected the mixture intravenously. Due to the inadvertent administration of
tap water intravenously, Bruce’s septicaemia worsened; requiring admission to the intensive
care unit where he has required invasive monitoring and support.
12. Was Bruce owed a duty of care? And if so, by whom? Who else in Bruce’s case may be
owed a duty of care?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13. How would the Court determine what the standard of care was?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……..
31

2805NRS: Legal & Ethical Principles in Healthcare
14. How might the Court determine if Bruce’s injury was caused by the breach of duty?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………….…..…
15. What defences might be raised to defend an allegation of negligence? What relevance
does this have for your future role as a healthcare practitioner?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
END OF TUTORIAL 7
32

2805NRS: Legal & Ethical Principles in Healthcare
TUTORIAL 8 Assisted Suicide and the Doctrine of Double Effect
Overview This module introduces students to:
 the law surrounding assisted suicide and the doctrine of double
effect
 the law surrounding withholding and withdrawing Life sustaining
measures &
 criminal law and healthcare practice
Learning
Outcomes
At the end of this tutorial, you will be able to:
 Define the terms euthanasia and assisted suicide
 Identify the difference between active and passive euthanasia
 Explain the doctrine of double effect
 Explain the legal implications of an Advance Directive
 Discuss the law as it relates to abortion
 Identify how healthcare practitioners may breach criminal law in
their practice
Pre-Tutorial
Activities
Review :
 Online Course Content:
Module 5
Read:
Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) s 311 & s282A s285 & s288
Kerridge, I.H., Lowe, M., & Stewart, C. (2013). Ethics and law for the
health professions (4th ed.). Sydney, Australia: Federation Press.
R v Adams [1957] Crim LR 365
R v Cox (1992) BMLR 38
R v Neilsen [2012] QSC 29
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service v Q [2016] QSC 89
Duckett, S. (2017). Knowing, Anticipating, Even Facilitating but Still not
Intending: Another Challenge to Double Effect Reasoning. Journal of bioethical
inquiry , 1-5.