Question

A 79-year-old woman with severe COPD and heart failure is approaching the end of life. Her family insists that she must be resuscitated at all costs, but she has clearly expressed a wish not to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation if her heart stops. She has capacity and understands the implications. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Respect her wishes and consider a DNACPR decision in line with shared decision making

Answer

Follow the family’s wishes and attempt resuscitation regardless

Answer

Apply a DNACPR decision without informing her

Answer

Ignore any DNACPR and always attempt resuscitation in hospital

Answer

Ask the family to sign a consent form for DNACPR

Practice question