Legal Intervention for Continued Artificial Nutrition

An 84-year-old non-ambulatory nursing home patient was confined to semi-fetal condition with “sever organic brain syndrome.” With chronic, non-healing ulcers, bowel incontinence, and very limited conscious movement, her nephew requested removal of her nasogastric tube. Her physician declines, and the courts are involved.

• What are some reasons her physician would decline to respect her nephew’s request to remove her nasogastric tube?
• What will the court consider when making their decision?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)