Problem
Ethical Case Study: Death and Dying.
Marion is a ninety year old woman who has end stage Alzheimer's disease. She lives in a long-term care facility, and needs total care. She is bed-fast, unable to communicate verbally and non-verbally. She has very little intake by mouth. She has had two recent episodes of aspiration. The family wants a feeding tube, saying "We cannot let her starve to death."
A. What are your values and beliefs regarding artificial hydration for persons with advanced dementia?
B. What is the clinical evidence regarding the benefits and harm of feeding a person such as Marion?
C. What makes this a complicated decision?
D. What decision is in the best interests of the patient, and why?