A Family Divided

A forty-five-year-old man with a three-year history of cardiovascular disease has entered the hospital with a stroke that has paralyzed his right side and caused him to aspirate food of any consistency. His mental status is clouded and there is disagreement as to whether he has decisional capacity. His language capacity is only “yes” and “no,” and his responses are inconsistent.

• What information needs to be considered when making these end-of-life decisions?
• How is the final decision-maker determined in this situation?

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