A patient with advanced cancer wishes to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation if they arrest, but the team believes CPR would not work. Which statement is consistent with accepted practice?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. A patient cannot demand futile treatment, but reasons must be explained
- Step 1: A DNACPR decision is a clinical judgement, made in discussion with the patient wherever possible. Step 2. Where CPR would not succeed it is not offered as an option, but the reasons are communicated and a second opinion is available. Answer: A patient cannot demand futile treatment, but reasons must be explained. Why not the others: Patients can refuse but cannot require ineffective treatment. Secret decisions breach duties of openness. Relatives do not hold decision-making power unless they hold a valid welfare power of attorney.
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