Question

An awake & alert pt with impending pulmonary edema is brought to the ED. The pt provides the nurse with a copy of a living will stating "no invasive medical procedures should be used to keep me alive." The healthcare team is questioning whether the pt should be intubated. What info should guide the team's decision?

Answer 1

The healthcare team should consider the severity of the patient's pulmonary edema, assess their respiratory status, and evaluate alternative non-invasive interventions before deciding whether to intubate. Respect for the patient's wishes as expressed in the living will is crucial.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining whether to intubate an awake and alert patient with impending pulmonary edema who has provided a living will stating no invasive procedures should be used to keep them alive, the healthcare team should consider the patient's current condition, the prognosis, and the potential benefits and risks of intubation. They should also respect the patient's wishes as expressed in the living will. In this case, the team should evaluate the severity of the pulmonary edema, assess the patient's respiratory status, and consider alternative non-invasive interventions to manage the condition, such as oxygen therapy or medication. It is important for the team to engage in open and honest communication with the patient and their family to ensure their wishes are respected and to provide appropriate supportive care.