A 91-year-old woman with a CFS of 8 and end-stage dementia has been gradually declining over 3 months. She is now only taking sips of fluid. Her famil...

Question

A 91-year-old woman with a CFS of 8 and end-stage dementia has been gradually declining over 3 months. She is now only taking sips of fluid. Her family asks whether she should be given subcutaneous fluids. The clinical team believes she is in the last days to weeks of life. What is the MOST appropriate approach?

Accepted Answer

Start intravenous fluids as they are more effective than subcutaneous

Answer

Start subcutaneous fluids at 1 litre per 24 hours as standard practice

Answer

Assess on an individual basis - consider whether clinically assisted hydration would benefit or burden her, discuss with the family, and provide excellent mouth care

Answer

Withhold all fluids including mouth care as it will prolong dying

Answer

Insert a nasogastric tube for hydration

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Individualised Hydration Assessment at End of Life