Question

A 68-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer is in the last days of life. She is drowsy, taking almost no oral intake but appears peaceful and not distressed. Her family ask you to start intravenous fluids as they are worried she is “”starving to death””. According to NICE end-of-life care guidance, what is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that clinically assisted hydration may not improve comfort and focus on symptom control, reviewing if signs of distress arise

Answer

Start IV fluids at full maintenance to prevent dehydration

Answer

Refuse to discuss the issue as it is a medical decision only

Answer

Insert a feeding tube to maintain nutrition

Answer

Discharge to hospice without addressing the family’s concerns

Practice question