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Tube Feeding (Fluids and Food) |
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 What
about tube feeding when the person is unconscious ?
Many people can be supported with artificial feeding even though they
do seem to be conscious. Some stroke patients may never again respond
to any stimuli. Many young people have suffered head trauma and are
also permanently unconscious. Two well-known court cases involved
Karen Ann Quinlan and Nancy Cruzan, who both lived for years supported
by feeding tubes though they were never aware of their surroundings.
These patients are said to be in a persistent vegetative state.
Are we obligated to keep such patients alive even though there is
no hope of their recovery to a conscious state? If we do choose to
withdraw the tube feeding, would these patients experience a painful
death? Would we be killing the patient ?
The courts and medical practice have ruled it acceptable to withhold
or withdraw tube feedings from such patients. This is not taking an
action to kill the patient; rather it is allowing a natural death
to occur. Again, all the advantages of
dehydration in any dying patient will benefit these patients in
their last days. They can die a very comfortable and peaceful death.
The real struggle for the families of these patients is an emotional
and spiritual one. Can we let go? Are we continuing the artificial
feeding for us or the patient? If the patient could make his or her
own choice, would the choice be to withdraw treatment and allow a
natural, peaceful death ? |
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Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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