End-of-Life Health Care

Imagine this scenario: a patient has end stage heart failure, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep apnea. She has refused any invasive treatments for many years, ignoring potential consequences, and has opted for medical management. She has an advance directive stating her preference for no cardiopulmonary resuscitation, no artificial hydration or nutrition, and only desires comfort measures to allow for a pain-free and natural death. This patient has developed shortness of breath, leg edema, and chest pain, and is rushed to the emergency room. Upon admission, she is diagnosed with pulmonary edema and renal failure. Medications are administered to treat pulmonary edema, but she is not responding to the medications and starts to decompensate. The patient mentions that she does not want to have dialysis or a respirator. Her family is informed of the critical status of the patient and that...
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