Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 13th Edition by Kerry Cheever, Janice Hinkle

Exercise 2

You are at the bedside of a 53-year-old patient whose mother is designated as hispower of attorney for health care. The patient has been comatose for 3 days, and thephysician has indicated that the likelihood of recovery is very poor. The mother wantsto discuss removing life support; however, the patient's wife, whom he recentlymarried, wants "everything done" and protests against any actions that would "killhim." The patient's three adult children from a previous marriage are divided in theiropinions, with two supporting the patient's mother and one supporting the patient'swife. The physician indicates that he will hold a meeting with the family and put thedecision to a vote.What actions should be taken in this situation? What ethical andlegal dilemmas exist? What other health professionals could be helpful insatisfactorily resolving these issues?