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38 votes
38 votes
A woman, age 90, has Alzheimer's disease and presents to the emergency department with her son. Bedridden for the past year, she has multiple pressure ulcers and has lost 30 lbs (13.6 kg). She has refused oral intake for the past 3 days and is now severely dehydrated. Her son, who has power of attorney, does not want aggressive care. What is the best action

User Mahmoud Nasser
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1 Answer

9 votes
9 votes

What are the options?

Is this woman able to move at all?

If it were me, I would try to get her to move around if possible so that she isn't in bed all day getting sores. If she cant move, roll her over every once in a while in bed if possible.

If she is refusing to drink water and cant chew food well, maybe blend the food up, and add a little water? If she still refuses this, you may just have to make her as comfortable as possible and keep trying to give her food and liquids.

I am not a professional and I don't know the specific details of this situation but this is the best answer I can give with the little amount of info there is :/

User Reyraa
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