A patient with terminal colon cancer is refusing all food and fluids.The patient has a living will that states no artificial nutrition is to be provided;however,the family is asking for a gastrostomy tube.What should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should honor the patient's wishes as stated in the living will and provide supportive care to the patient and family during this difficult time. It is important to help the family come to terms with the situation and provide emotional support rather than pursuing a medical intervention that the patient has refused. If there is conflict between the family and the patient's wishes, the case can be taken to the hospital's ethics committee for further discussion and resolution.

A Patient with Terminal Colon Cancer Is Refusing All Food