Case #2 Discussion Questions:

1. Mrs. F will need ongoing pharmacotherapy for rate control and diuresis. She may require intubation. Her current rhythm is atrial fibrillation at about 110. How would you explain what is happening to Mrs. F?
2. Mrs. F Is clearly frightened but also fully aware of what is happening. She is very nervous about the possibility of being intubated and on a ventilator. She says I do not want to be like some poor vegetable on a machine forever. Just let me die! Drawing on your ability to assess the goals of treatment with this patient, how would you develop a care plan, respond to her concerns, and make recommendations for treatment.
3. Another resident has overheard your conversation with Mrs. F and asks you: Oh why are you wasting your time? She is an old lady. We are too short of resources in this country as it is. We should not let anyone over seventy-five in the unit. What do you think?

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