Question

A 78-year-old man with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and metastatic lung cancer is admitted with an overwhelming pneumonia. After discussion with him and his family, it is agreed that he does not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation if he arrests, and a DNACPR form is correctly completed. Overnight he is found unresponsive and pulseless. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Respect the DNACPR decision and focus on verifying death and providing support to the family

Answer

Start full ALS immediately because all hospital patients should receive a trial of CPR

Answer

Ignore the DNACPR form because the pneumonia is reversible and attempt resuscitation

Answer

Call the family first to reconfirm their wishes before deciding whether to start CPR

Answer

Commence basic life support while another doctor checks the validity of the DNACPR form

Practice question