Question

A 70-year-old woman is dying from metastatic lung cancer. She is increasingly drowsy, taking little orally and appears comfortable. Her family requests that she be given intravenous fluids to prolong life. According to NICE end-of-life guidance, what is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that routine IV fluids may not benefit and consider an individualised trial if indicated

Answer

Always give IV fluids to prolong life as requested

Answer

Refuse IV fluids and discharge her home immediately

Answer

Insert a nasogastric tube to give enteral hydration

Answer

Start high-dose IV fluids to maintain urine output at all costs

Practice question

A 70-year-old woman is dying from metastatic lung cancer. She is increasingly drowsy, taking little orally and appears comfortable. Her family requests that she be given intravenous fluids to prolong life. According to NICE end-of-life guidance, what is the most appropriate response?