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.
Life-Sustaining Measures Decisions
Scenario
Mr. D is a 90-year-old male who presents to the hospital with complaints of left arm pain, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain. His electrocardiogram results are used to confirm a primary diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Mr. D’s medical history includes diabetes, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. The physician consults Mr. D on whether life-sustaining measures such as mechanical ventilation and CPR should be performed on him if he suffers from a cardiopulmonary arrest. Mr. D agrees that every possible measure should be conducted to save his life in case of a cardiopulmonary arrest.
Risks and Benefits of Life-Sustaining Measures
Life-sustaining measures can relieve Mr. D’s suffering caused by cardiopulmonary arrest. After a successful life-sustaining measure, Mr. D’s body resumes functioning and regains his quality of life. Life-sustaining measures are costly; therefore, performing them at a patient’s request, regardless of their condition, can be considered a waste of resources (Huffman & Harmer, 2022). Life-sustaining measures in some patients prolong the dying process. Certain measures, such as life support, can cause pain, worsening a patient’s quality of life. Measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation can save a patient’s life but also damage and crack the patient’s ribs and lungs and sometimes lead to death (Goyal et al., 2022).
Factors Considered
Life-sustaining measures do not benefit every patient; therefore, a physician must consider patient-specific and individualized factors. Factors considered include The patient’s reasons for choosing life-sustaining measures, possible advantages of life-sustaining measures in this patient, the risks incurred by the patient in case a life-sustaining measure is performed, the patient’s age, current treatment plans, compliance with the current treatment plan and past medical history.
Family Member Response
As Mr. D’s family member, I would support his decision since he has the right to accept or reject life-sustaining measures (Huffman & Harmer, 2022). I would be encouraged by the patient’s will to live to learn more about myocardial infarction and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. I will take it upon myself to ensure the patient complies with his treatment plan to prevent a cardiopulmonary arrest. I respect the patient’s personal and religious beliefs on life and death. As a family member, I will support the patient financially and psychologically. I will discuss with the patient to determine their fear of death and offer support.
References
Goyal A, Sciammarella JC, Cusick AS, et al. (2022). Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470402/.