Geriatric Patient Analysis

Words: 436
Pages: 2

This is not about a patient who is self destructive or who have an unorthodox way of self care, but this is about differences in culture and how it affects quality of life of the patient.
I recently had a geriatric patient whose family is very involved with his medical care. The patients’ laboratory results are critically abnormal. The patient is alert, oriented and still is able to make decisions for himself. Because of his co morbidities and other medical complication, the doctor have recommended dialysis to manage his condition. The patient had verbalized that he did not want any aggressive treatment and wants to allow a natural death. The family however does not agree with what the patient wants and wanted full treatment for the patient. An Interdisciplinary team meeting with the patient and family had
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However, as expected, because of pressure from his family, the patient changes his code from Do not resuscitate to Full Code. The patient’s words were “I don’t want to burden my family so I will do what’s best and have dialysis”. The medical team is well aware of what the patient wants but because of their culture, is allowing his family especially his eldest son to make the medical decision for him. It is very difficult for me to see this patient go thru numerous blood draw for labs, dialysis and take medications knowing this is not what he desire. Whenever the family comes to visit, I have a knot in my stomach because as the patient’s case manager, I have to discuss the plan of care with them. I have always been honest and I tried to be an advocate for the patient but the son has made up his mind and wanted to prolong his father’s life. I do my due diligence as a nurse but in the back of my mind I can’t help but to think how selfish this patient’s family are. This does not affect the care I give my patient and