Memento ... life imitates art: the request for an ethics consultation

J Clin Ethics. 2007 Fall;18(3):247-51.

Abstract

This was a troublesome case, without complete consensus about the right thing to do. It seemed there were arguments on both sides: those who thought that the goal of comfort care without treatment was most consistent with his wishes, versus those who thought the additional testing and treatment might have produced a net benefit in spite of the burdens. Ultimately, the patient was placed in a facility with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order in effect and a plan for comfort care. He may live a few months or more. We all hope that whatever time he has is spent free of pain and symptoms, and that he is able to live a life of quality consistent with his wishes. The main story line is consistent with actual events; however, there have been changes in terms of gender, disease, and relationships that have been included to protect the anonymity of the patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult Children
  • Amnesia, Anterograde / etiology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Conflict of Interest
  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Decision Making / ethics*
  • Ethics Consultation*
  • Family Relations
  • Family*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / complications
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Mental Competency* / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Palliative Care
  • Prognosis
  • Proxy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Trust
  • Withholding Treatment / ethics*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents