E. L. is an 88-year-old widow who has advanced dementia. She is a retired secretary and is cared for in the home of her divorced

E. L. is an 88-year-old widow who has advanced dementia. She is
a retired secretary and is cared for in the home of her divorced
daughter, who is her power of attorney for health affairs. E. L.
requires assistance with all activities of daily living. She spends
most of the day sitting in her orthopedic recliner (she has had
bilateral hip replacements) or lying in bed. She does not speak or
acknowledge the presence of others. Recently, E. L. has stopped
eating all meals except for small banana slices. She resists a
spoon when it is brought to her mouth, and she pockets food in her
cheeks without swallowing. E. L. was admitted to the hospital
several months ago for influenza and bilateral pneumonia. She was
treated in the intensive care unit for three days and then sent
home. The possibility of a feeding tube insertion was discussed
during her hospitalization. E. L.’s daughter is seeking guidance on
artificial nutrition and hydration. 1. Use the assigned readings to guide you in the development of
five discussion points 2. Discussions points should reflect best practices that you
will include as you speak with E. L.’s daughter regarding her
mother’s end-of-life care.