Question

A 79-year-old woman with metastatic lung cancer lacks capacity due to delirium. She has an advance decision refusing cardiopulmonary resuscitation documented and signed when she had capacity. She is now found pulseless on the ward. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Respect the advance decision and do not start CPR

Answer

Start full CPR because advance decisions are not legally binding

Answer

Start CPR while confirming the validity of the advance decision

Answer

Ask the family to decide whether to resuscitate

Answer

Call the coroner for advice before acting

Practice question

A 79-year-old woman with metastatic lung cancer lacks capacity due to delirium. She has an advance decision refusing cardiopulmonary resuscitation documented and signed when she had capacity. She is now found pulseless on the ward. What should you do?