Chapter 13

Question 1

ethical guidelines for forgoing life-sustaining tx when pt is incapacitated

Answer 1

1. physicians must make recommendations to other decision-makers based on benefit/burden assessments
2. benefits/burdens should be assessed within the framework of the pt’s prior expressed wishes or known values/beliefs/previous decisions regarding tx, and a substituted judgment made if possible - if not, follow best medical interest standard
3. family members: usually best source of info about pt preferences, supplemented by clinical team
4. when benefits are greater than or equal to burdens, obligatory to provide tx (unless refused by pt in AD)
5. obligatory for clinicians to withhold/strive to withdraw tx that will harm/are harming pt