A care home resident aged 89 with advanced dementia becomes acutely unwell with fever, tachycardia, and reduced consciousness. The care home staff con...

Question

A care home resident aged 89 with advanced dementia becomes acutely unwell with fever, tachycardia, and reduced consciousness. The care home staff contact the GP. The patient has a ReSPECT form in place which states she should not be transferred to hospital and that the focus should be on comfort care. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Follow the recommendations in the ReSPECT form, manage her symptoms in the care home, and provide comfort measures

Answer

Override the ReSPECT form and send her to hospital as she may have a treatable infection

Answer

Contact the Court of Protection for guidance

Answer

Wait to see if she improves overnight before making any decisions

Answer

Ask the family to decide whether to override the ReSPECT form

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): ReSPECT Form in Emergency