A 87-year-old woman with a CFS of 7, advanced dementia, and recurrent aspiration is in a nursing home. She has been losing weight despite dietary modi...

Question

A 87-year-old woman with a CFS of 7, advanced dementia, and recurrent aspiration is in a nursing home. She has been losing weight despite dietary modification. Her family insists on PEG tube feeding, stating 'she needs nutrition to live.' The clinical team believes PEG insertion would not be in her best interests. Under the MCA 2005, how should this disagreement be resolved?

Accepted Answer

The clinical team should explain the evidence that PEG feeding in advanced dementia does not improve survival, functional status, or comfort, and attempt to reach consensus through sensitive discussion; if disagreement persists, seek a clinical ethics committee review or Court of Protection determination

Answer

Comply with the family's wishes as they know her best

Answer

The clinical team should proceed with PEG insertion to avoid conflict

Answer

Discharge her from the nursing home as the relationship has broken down

Answer

Refer to the police for potential neglect

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Resolving Disagreements About PEG in Advanced Dementia