The Family of a Terminally Ill Patient Is Upset That

question 2

Multiple Choice

The family of a terminally ill patient is upset that the patient is no longer receiving intravenous fluids or tube feedings and believes that the hospital is "trying to kill" the patient. Which of the following should be done to assist this family?

• A) Inform them that the lack of food or liquids is short term and the patient will be provided with both in a day or two
• B) Remind the family that the patient is terminal and any food or hydration is futile at this time
• C) Explain that providing no food or liquids will make it easier to care for the patient
• D) Explain the benefits of anorexia and terminal dehydration for the patient

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Definitions:

Therapy

A treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder, often involving psychological techniques.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

A medical treatment that involves delivering electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to treat conditions such as epilepsy and depression.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to treat depression and other disorders.

Frontal Lobotomy

A surgical procedure once used to treat mental disorders, involving the removal or destruction of parts of the frontal lobes of the brain, now widely considered inhumane and obsolete.