Question

A 75-year-old man living in residential aged care has advanced dementia and recurrent aspiration pneumonia. The family asks about feeding options as he is taking less orally. According to the RACGP Silver Book, what is the most appropriate recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Explain that PEG feeding does not improve survival or reduce aspiration in advanced dementia and focus on careful hand feeding for comfort

Answer

Offer percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding as it improves survival and prevents aspiration

Answer

Insert a nasogastric tube for long-term feeding

Answer

Arrange total parenteral nutrition

Answer

Stop all feeding and provide only IV fluids

Practice question

A 75-year-old man living in residential aged care has advanced dementia and recurrent aspiration pneumonia. The family asks about feeding options as he is taking less orally. According to the RACGP Silver Book, what is the most appropriate recommendation?