Question

Lucille signed a living will when she was 65 years old and in good health. It stated that wanted no extraordinary medical procedures to be used if doctors determined she would not recover. She was conscious of the ramifications of her decision, At the age of 85 she had a stroke in her brain stem and could no longer breath for herself or take in food. Doctors determined that she would not recover respiration or digestion.
Which of the following would be true in Lucille's case?

a. Lucille's children could override the living will because it was drawn up 20 years before the stroke occurred
b. Lucille could be given sedatives and pain medications but should not be put on a ventilator or given a feeding tube
c. Connecting Lucille to a ventilator to help with respiration would be permissible
d. Providing nutrients to Lucille through a feeding tube would be permissible

Answer 1

B. Lucille could be given sedatives and pain medications but should not be put on a ventilator or given a feeding tube