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Module 2, Session 2
Application Activity

 

Directions: Read the following dilemma. Rank in order 1-8 who should get the kidney machines. After each person, say why you placed him or her where you did. When you're finished, write how you felt about this real-life situation.

The Kidney Machine Problem

Tonight, the Laymen's Board of Review of General Hospital meets to consider applicants for the use of its kidney machines. Each of the patients described below has been evaluated by the medical staff, and it has been determined that each will probably die in 6-8 weeks without the constant use of the machine. Unfortunately, there are only five machines available for home use. The Board must rank in order the eight applicants.

  1. John Hallbright. Age 31. Married. One child, a daughter, age 4. College graduate. Works as a teller in a bank. Wife also employed, as an elementary school teacher.
  2. Marie Villareal. Age 39. Unmarried. College graduate. Holds Master's in physical therapy. Employed at VA hospital for 14 years; is head of Physical and Occupational Therapy treatment center.
  3. Pamela Watson. Age 23. Married, no children. College graduate. Teaches social studies and is cheerleader advisor in junior high school. Husband is a teacher in the high school.
  4. Avery Smith. Age 51. Married. Three children, daughter age 19, sons 17 and 15. High school graduate. Owner and operator of Smith Industries, Inc., a machine shop which employs 150. City councilman for 12 years; member of library board of directors for 6 years. Has suffered several heart attacks (last one 3 1/2 years ago), and medical bills plus lack of heath insurance cause him to make application for the free machine.
  5. William Work. Age 11. One of seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Work.
  6. Walker Red Cloud. Age about 40. Ojibwa Indian. At least four children by two wives. Fourth grade education. No occupation.
  7. Nancy Adams. Age 34. Divorced, three children. Daughter, age 7, twin sons, 6, all in her custody. Employed as a secretary in a real estate office.
  8. Mary Parenti. 12 years old. IQ 87. Teachers describe her as shy, withdrawn, and inhibited. Family immigrated to New York the year she was born. Family owns restaurant where both parents work.

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