Question

A 72-year-old woman in a long-term care facility with advanced COPD and heart failure has recurrent hospitalisations. She now presents with sepsis. After initial stabilisation, her family asks about goals of care. According to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, what should the clinical team do?

Accepted Answer

Discuss goals of care and prognosis early, ideally within 72 hours, and integrate palliative principles as appropriate

Answer

Avoid discussing prognosis to maintain hope

Answer

Delay palliative care discussions until all treatments have failed

Answer

Ask the family to decide on treatments without providing guidance

Answer

Transfer decision-making entirely to a legal team

Practice question

A 72-year-old woman in a long-term care facility with advanced COPD and heart failure has recurrent hospitalisations. She now presents with sepsis. After initial stabilisation, her family asks about goals of care. According to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, what should the clinical team do?