Patient dilema

[Anggelica]

I have a pt that has not been eating. The family has power of attorney for my patient's care. This patient is only orientated to self. The family decided to put a peg tube on her but she refused. Since she was confuse at that time eg. calling mom out, crying, yelling. They drug her up so they can put the peg tube. I have been taking care of this patient for a week now and she has expressed her desire not continue feeding tube pretty much everyday and to multiple nurses. The doctor brushes my concerns because to her she is just a confuse pt that does not know what she is talking about. I did talk to my charge nurse she said "she has no say with the feedings because she is confuse". To make things worse, she has history of addiction, chronic back pain, diabetic neuropathy, osteomylitis, depression and the list goes on... the doctor took her pain medication away because according to the MD she is just another addict.

At this point do you guys think the pt has the right not to have her feedings?

[Anggelica]

To some MD and Nurses she is crying wolf and wants to chase the high

[monkeybug]

the doctor took her pain medication away because according to the MD she is just another addict.

At this point do you guys think the pt has the right not to have her feedings?

That is one of the cruelest things I've ever heard about. So what if she is an addict? Is it appropriate to stop all meds? No wonder she wants to stop feedings, her life is probably unbearable right now.