Mrs. V is an elderly woman in the final stages of Alzheimer's disease; she is unlikely to live more than a year longer. Breast cancer has been diagnosed, and her surgeon wants to operate

Question

Mrs. V cannot grasp the situation, however, and is becoming agitated about it. Her children think surgery would be painful and not worth the potential benefit. What might a nurse advise Mrs. V's family?
A) The patient herself should make the decision.
B) The need for surgery is of secondary importance.
C) Surgery is definitely indicated.
D) The insurer should be involved in the decision.

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
Surgery for an elderly patient is often more difficult than for a younger patient, and in this case the patient is already unlikely to live much longer. She is no longer capable of making rational decisions. Her peace of mind should take precedence over any other consideration, and the insurer should not be involved.