Case Study

Question 1
A critical examination of the scenario indicates that the decision not to tell Jesusita about
her son’s death is morally wrong because she deserves to know as a mother. It is right to tell a
mother about her son’s death despite having a weak heart. According to the non-consequentialist
view, lying is wrong (Gustafson, 2018). Healthcare professionals have a duty to reveal the truth
to their patients at all times.
Question 2
If Jesusita were my mother, I would immediately tell her that her son has died because
she deserves to know the truth. It is vital to acknowledge that Jesusita has been asking about his
son for many weeks, and she is getting worried about him. Additionally, Jesusita should be told
about her son’s death because she deserves the chance to grieve his death.
Question 3
As a staff member, I would advise the family members of Jesusita to tell her the truth
about her son’s death. Notably, telling Jesusita about her son’s death is moral because the
intention is good, and it is the right thing to do. As a staff member, I feel that Jesusita should be
told the truth now despite the complexity involved. I believe that Jesusita should be told about
her son’s death compassionately and honestly while avoiding medical jargon and euphemisms. It
is also important to allow Jesusita to cry freely and be prepared in advance before breaking the
sad news.
Question 4
I think Jesusita should have been told the truth in the beginning because it is morally right
to do so. Also, she should have been told the truth because she is the deceased’s mother, and she

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has a right to know, mourn her son, and even bury him. Not telling Jesusita the truth from the
very start has made the situation worse because she will be furious with everyone, from family
members to the medical staff. She might not trust anyone anymore and may not choose to
cooperate with the medical team. She deserved to know the truth from day one, and it is the role
of her medical team to assist her mourn and transition.

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Reference

Gustafson, A. (2018). Consequentialism and non-consequentialism. In The Routledge
Companion to Business Ethics (pp. 79-95). Routledge.