Organ Allocation Case Study Correctional Healthcare

Organ Allocation Case Study: Correctional Healthcare Healthcare workers and the ethics board make tough decisions that impact the patient’s future, specifically related to organ allocation. Organ transplantation is extremely important in order to save lives, prolong survival, and increase the quality of life (Beyar, 2017). Each year the number of people on the waiting list continues to rise at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, organ donation statistics show that more than 116,000 people are awaiting organs. The number has risen significantly every year (Health Resources Services Administration {HRSA}, 2016). In 2016, it was reported that approximately 41,335 organ donations were made,†¦show more content†¦Mr. Rodriquez’s health history is limited to hypertension. The second candidate, Mr. Smith, is an uninsured 59-year-old on disability who has severe ischemic cardiomyopathy (causing systemic failure). His other medical history includes hypertension, renal in sufficiency, alcohol abuse, and coronary artery disease that caused two previous myocardial infarctions. A person’s age and their lifestyle can impact overall organ transplant success. Physiologic age impacts major organ systems such as the kidneys and other underlying medical problems (Eisen, 2017). Mr. Smith is 26 years older with declining health. On the other hand, Mr. Rodriquez is a healthy individual with mild hypertension. Physical inactivity can be associated with an increased risk of morbidity or worsening chronic disease and health conditions, in particular, cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure (Warren et al., 2010). According to the article by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), alcohol consumption plays a role in the development of heart failure. Excessive drinking leads to alcoholic cardiomyopathy (Djoussà © Gaziano, 2008). Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is characterized by left ventricular dilation, increased left ventricular mass, and reduced or normal left ventricular wall thickness (Djoussà © Gaziano, 2008). Mr. Smithâ₠¬â„¢s heavy consumption of alcohol may become detrimental to his heart, liver, and kidney function. His comorbiditiesShow MoreRelatedOrgan Donation Case Study Essay967 Words   |  4 PagesOrgan Allocation Case Study: Correctional Healthcare Healthcare workers and the ethics board make tough decisions that impact the patient’s future, especially related to organ allocation. Organ transplantation is extremely important in order to save lives, prolong survival, and increase the quality of life (Beyar, 2017). Each year the number of people on the waiting list continues to rise at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, organ donation statistics