Question

A 77 year old man with advanced metastatic lung cancer lacks capacity due to delirium. He has a valid and applicable advance decision refusing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, documented in the notes. He suffers a cardiac arrest on the ward and his family insist that everything be done. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Respect the advance decision and do not start CPR

Answer

Attempt full CPR because the family request it

Answer

Ignore the advance decision as he now lacks capacity

Answer

Call the coroner for advice before acting

Answer

Start CPR but stop after 1 minute

Practice question