14 Apr Mr. D is a 90-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, left arm pain, and chest pain
Mr. D is a 90-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, left arm pain, and chest pain. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed, and he is diagnosed as having a myocardial infarction. Mr. D has a long history of comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, and congestive heart failure (CHF). With this in mind, the physician asks Mr. D if he wants life-sustaining measures taken (e.g., CPR, mechanical ventilation, etc.) should he experience cardiopulmonary arrest. Mr. D tells the physician that he wants all measures taken to save his life.
Imagine that you are the nurse assigned to provide care to Mr. D, and address the following:
1. Considering Mr. D’s advanced age, what are the benefits/risks associated with providing life-sustaining measures?
2. What factors should you consider based on the Mr. D’s age and health history?
3. If Mr. D were your family member, how would you respond to his decision?
Review the posts made by your classmates and reply to someone expanding on their idea or offering an alternative for consideration.
