3.10 When patients suffered from hemorrhagic fever, M*A*S*H doctors

replaced lost sodium by administering a saline solution intravenously.

However, headquarters (HQ) sent a treatment change disallowing the

saline solution. With a patient in shock and near death from a disastrously

low sodium level, B. J. Hunnicut wanted to administer a low-sodium-con-

centration saline solution as a last-ditch attempt to save the patient.

Colonel Potter looked at B. J. and Hawkeye and summed up the situation.

"O.K., let's get this straight. If we go by the new directive from HQ and

don't administer saline to replace the sodium, our boy will die for sure. If

we try B. J.'s idea, then he may survive, and we'll know how to treat the

next two patients who are getting worse. If we try it and he doesn't make it,

we're in trouble with HQ and may get conrt-martialed. I say we have no

choice. Let's try it." (Source: "Mr. and Mrs. Who." Written by Ronny

Graham, directed by Burt Metcalfe, 1980)

Structure the doctors' decision. What are their objectives? What

risks do they face? Draw a decision tree for their decision.