Considering Mr. D’s advanced age, what are the benefits/risks associated with providing life-sustaining measures?

Directions:

Consider the scenario below, then follow the instructions underneath it to complete the discussion. If appropriate, support your position with credible resources/examples/evidence and provide APA references.

Mr. D

Mr. D is a 90-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, left arm pain, and chest pain. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed, and he is diagnosed as having a myocardial infarction. Mr. D has a long history of comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, and congestive heart failure (CHF). With this in mind, the physician asks Mr. D if he wants life-sustaining measures taken (e.g., CPR, mechanical ventilation, etc.) should he experience cardiopulmonary arrest. Mr. D tells the physician that he wants all measures taken to save his life.

Imagine that you are the nurse assigned to provide care to Mr. D, and address the following:

1. Considering Mr. D’s advanced age, what are the benefits/risks associated with providing life-sustaining measures?
2. What factors should you consider based on Mr. D’s age and health history?
3. If Mr. D were your family member, how would you respond to his decision?

Review the posts made by your classmates and reply to someone expanding on their idea or offering an alternative for consideration.

Please make your initial post by midweek, and respond to at least one other student’s post by the end of the week. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.