A patient was admitted to the critical care unit several weeks ago with an acute myocardial infarction and subsequently underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery
Since a cardiac arrest 5 days ago, the patient has been unresponsive. An electroencephalogram shows no meaningful brain activity. After a family conference, the physician orders a DNR order, and palliative care is begun. This means
a. the patient will continue to receive the same aggressive treatment short of resuscitation if he has another cardiac arrest.
b. all treatment will be stopped, and the patient will be allowed to die.
c. all attempts will be made to keep the patient comfortable without prolonging his life.
d. the patient will be immediately transferred to hospice.
C
When palliative care is begun, the primary goal is to keep the patient comfortable by continuing assessments and managing symptoms that might cause pain, anxiety, or distress.
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