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Withdrawal of Nutrition Support in a Neurosurgical Patient in a Persistent Vegetative State
Author(s) -
Johnson Gina,
Mcnoble Dorothy
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1177/088453369100600305
Subject(s) - medicine , discontinuation , parenteral nutrition , artificial nutrition , intensive care medicine , life support , psychological intervention , pediatrics , surgery , nursing
A case of a neurosurgical patient diagnosed as being in a permanent vegetative state is presented. A family conference was used to discuss termination of life support. Because of the poor prognosis for recovery, it was decided to terminate ventilatory support but continue enteral nutrition and hydration therapy. In spite of the discontinuation of ventilatory support, the patient did not expire. After nutrition was discontinued, the patient did die. The distinction between ventilatory and nutrition support as life‐sustaining interventions is discussed.