Question

A 78-year-old woman with advanced dementia is admitted with pneumonia. She has a documented Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decision agreed at a previous admission and discussed with her family. Her daughter insists that ‘everything must be done’ and demands that you cancel the DNACPR. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that DNACPR is a clinical decision made in the patient’s best interests and will remain in place, while listening to and addressing the daughter’s concerns

Answer

Cancel the DNACPR to respect the daughter’s wishes

Answer

Ignore the DNACPR and perform CPR if she arrests

Answer

Transfer decision-making authority to the daughter automatically

Answer

Remove all treatment including antibiotics

Practice question