Question

During end-of-life decision-making, it is wise and the most humane to counsel families to discontinue oral/tube feeding but maintain IV fluids to keep the patient comfortable.

True or false

Answer 1

Yes it true.

When the life is going closure to the end, a feeding tube can cause greater discomfort than not having food. In fact, it is not sure if tube feeding will prolong life or prevent aspiration.

In the last stages of life, patient losses appetite and the whole body structure and function slow down to an end, and food and liquid requirements of the body falls and very little amount of nutrients are absorbed by the body including those received through a feeding tube. Also,once feeding tube is inserted, it's difficult for the family to decide when to remove it or not.

Application of tube through nose are very uncomfortable for the patient and painful. Ultimetly, during end-of-life decision-making, it is wise and the most humane to counsel families to discontinue oral/tube feeding but maintain IV fluids to keep the patient comfortable.