Geriatric Quick Consult      PEG Tube Decisions      Do #7

Respect cultural and religious differences.

Knowledge Action
Some families have a strong religious belief that it is not right for man to make a choice about living or dying, and that "only God can choose".

Other families feel that life has value, even when quality of life is very poor.

When these beliefs are deep-seated, they may dominate the decision-making.
  • Respect family's beliefs.
In this situation, it is fair, and appropriate, to ask: "Is this what the patient would have wanted?"

However, this may be a difficult question for the family to answer if they have never talked about it with the patient.

It is also fair, though difficult, to broach the issue of whether we would be keeping the patient alive only because family members cannot bear the idea of their death, and not for the patient's sake.
  • Honor patient's wishes.


  • Determine for whom's sake the patient is being kept alive.
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