Patient Wishes vs Medical Indications

Peggy is a 79-year-old woman who had suffered from hypertension, diabetes and many strokes. She had an advance directive, which indicated that she did not desire any surgery, antibiotics, resuscitation or tube feeding. When it becomes very difficult for her to eat, requiring an aide for a couple of hours each meal, her daughter decides that it is appropriate for a feeding tube to be placed as Peggy does not have a fatal illness, just simply requires adequate nutrition.

• Does the patient’s decision to withhold tube feedings apply at this time? Why or why not?
• In order to respect her decision, when should tube feedings be withheld?
• If they would helpful, should her other requests be respected at this time? Why or why not?

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