A 75-year-old patient,who suffered a massive stroke 3 weeks ago,has been unresponsive and has required ventilatory support since the time of the stroke.The physician has approached the spouse regarding placement of a permanent feeding tube.The spouse states that the patient never wanted to be kept alive by tubes and personally didn't want what was being done.After holding a family conference with the spouse,the medical team concurs and the feeding tube is not placed.This situation is an example of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the tube feeding had not been placed in the care of this patient,this scenario is an example of withholding of life support.Withholding of life support does not constitute euthanasia.Withdrawal of life support involves discontinuation of previously established therapies in a terminally ill patient.

A 75-Year-Old Patient,who Suffered a Massive Stroke 3 Weeks Ago,has