2007-01-22 13:31:34 · 5 answers · asked by renee a 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
The family should honour the wishes of their loved one, no matter how upsetting. If the patient is near the end, then resuscitating may just prolong their pain. If the patient is then incubated and put on life support, then the family has to make the choice to turn off the machines. Hope you dont have to go through this.
2007-01-22 22:50:26 · answer #1 · answered by lividuva 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a really complicated area... Technically, the DNR of the patient should be respected at all times. However, if the patient is not conscious or unable to make a decision, the family can petition the court for a medical power of attorney. In that case, the patient would be kept alive (despite the DNR) until the court has reached a decision. The doctor can (even though he legally/morally shouldn't) disregard the DNR in favor of following the family's wishes.
2007-01-22 13:37:09 · answer #2 · answered by ~StepfordWife~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the patient was in his/her right mind when the DNR was put in place, the family would have a tough time overriding it. It has been done, though. It really creates an ethical dilemma for the staff since the patient has clearly indicated their wishes and the staff is legally obligated to comply.
2007-01-22 13:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by S. W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The hospital staff or emergency persons must honor the DNR. It is the patient's decision. If you have it terminated legally then of course they will honor that wish.
2007-01-22 13:35:12 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sure that if you have it stipulated with the hospital and in a will, they cannot change it. They would have to go to court to do so, and that would be time consuming and cost a lot of money.
2007-01-22 13:36:04 · answer #5 · answered by Fruit Cake Lady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋