کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
---|---|---|---|---|
5653872 | 1589105 | 2017 | 4 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
BackgroundA suicidal person with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order presents an ethical dilemma to the emergency physician. Many believe that suicide is an irrational action, and therefore, all suicide attempts must be treated. Others believe a DNR order should be respected even in the setting of a suicide attempt.Case ReportAn elderly woman with a known terminal illness presented to the emergency department after a suspected suicide attempt. She had a DNR order during her previous hospitalization. The emergency physician felt obligated to intubate the woman despite his recognition that she was terminally ill.DiscussionReasons to both honor and not honor a DNR order after a suicide attempt are reviewed.ConclusionNot all patients who attempt suicide are necessarily incapable of making a rational decision about their health care. In some cases it may be appropriate to withhold resuscitation attempts in suicidal patients who have a preexisting DNR order. Institutional policies are needed to provide guidance in this situation.
Journal: The Journal of Emergency Medicine - Volume 52, Issue 1, January 2017, Pages 117-120