You Are on the Scene Where an 80-Year-Old Woman Is

Multiple Choice

You are on the scene where an 80-year-old woman is unresponsive and has shallow, snoring respirations. The patient's husband wants you to do nothing for the patient, but her daughter is crying and pleading with you to do something to help her mother. The patient lacks a DNR. The husband insists that his wife would not want to be "kept alive by machines." Which of the following is the most ethical course of action?

A) Follow the husband's wishes, because he has the legal authority to make the decision while the daughter does not.
B) Explain to the husband that you do not yet know what is wrong with his wife, that it may be something readily treatable, and that without a written order from her physician you cannot withhold treatment.
C) Consider how you would feel if it was your spouse or parent, and ask yourself what you would want done.
D) Find out more about the patient's medical history in an attempt to determine if resuscitative measures would be futile.