A 50-year-old man on ICU with multi-organ failure has no prospect of recovery. The team has decided, following a best interests discussion, that withd...

Question

A 50-year-old man on ICU with multi-organ failure has no prospect of recovery. The team has decided, following a best interests discussion, that withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is appropriate. The family agrees. When planning the withdrawal, which of the following is the most appropriate approach?

Accepted Answer

Withdraw treatments in a planned, stepwise manner, ensuring symptom control with titrated analgesia and sedation

Answer

Discontinue vasopressors, ventilation, and all medications simultaneously

Answer

Administer a bolus of morphine and midazolam sufficient to cause rapid death

Answer

Extubate immediately without prior analgesia or sedation

Answer

Withdraw all medications but continue mechanical ventilation until cardiac arrest

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Withdrawal of Treatment