Q: Dad is 90 and now in the hospital. He is mentally sharp but has blood tests that suggest kidney failure may occur. The doctor talked with him about a “do not resuscitate” order, and then talked it out with family as well. Any guidance on this? What if dad cannot make the decision?
W.C., Tustin
A: A do-not-resuscitate order is an important, but often very difficult, decision to make. We want to live, but if keeping us alive means taking steps that prolong our life even though we are left with no quality of life, then what? Hence, the doctor should explain carefully and clearly what is meant by “do not resuscitate,” and you should ask questions if any clarification is needed.
Research indicates that common resuscitation methods can include chest compressions, breathing tubes to open the airway and electric shock to restart the heart. The DNR is a medical order written by the doctor that instructs health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if a patient’s breathing stops or if the patient’s heart stops beating. Years ago, the DNR was a physician-led decision, but that has changed.
If your dad is (or becomes) unable to competently make the decision, then I hope he at least has an “advance health care directive” in place. The hospital (and the doctor) will no doubt inquire about this form. The health care directive allows the patient, while still competent, to provide instructions about their health care and, if the patient so chooses, to name a designated person to make health care decisions on their behalf. The basics of the health care directive can be found online by typing “California Probate Code Section 4701” in the web browser. It is very important (and helpful to loved ones) to have that form in place.
Q: What is the difference between a “power of attorney” and an advanced health care directive? I ask because we are having a will and trust put together, and these are forms we are hearing about.
L.S.,…
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