In this Opinion piece written by Anemona Hartocollis in a New York Times magazine,Hartocollis is using patients in Franklin Hospital,in Valley Stream on Long Island in order to explain how the patients were sleeping because their organs are shutting down.But patient Leo Oltizk, an 88year old man who has dementia,congestive heart failure,and kidney problems was brought from home by his wife and son, who were distressed to see him agitated, jumping out of bed and ripping off his clothes. Now he was sleeping soundly with his mouth wide open.While in the hospital he was given a sedative called lorazepam and recieved morphine to kill the pain,and may make it impossible for the patient to eat or drink. In so doing, it can cause death.Mr.Oltizk died 8 days after arriving at the hospital.When asked whether the sedation had rendered Mr. Oltzik unconscious could have accelerated his death,his doctor Dr.Halbridge stated "I don't know".So Anemoane's purpose was to not make Dr.Halbridge look like a bad doctor,but to help figure out if laying in a bed medicated to their fullest,is the best way a patient should die,and if its the safest way to help a dying patient.
-Application Question:Do you agree with Anemona Hartocollis' purpose in writing this piece,do you think the way the patients are treated before their death in this hospital is civil??
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