SAQ 1216 – Advance care directive challenged by family

An 85-year-old woman with congestive cardiac failure and dementia is brought from her aged-care facility in pulmonary oedema. Her records include a signed, dated and witnessed advance care directive stating she would refuse CPR. Her son and daughter are unaware of it, disagree with it and ask for it to be torn up.

What are the components of a valid advance care directive?

(Marked out of 6.0)

/ 6

Are you obliged to adhere to the advance care directive? Explain your answer.

(Marked out of 2.0)

/ 2

Her children say the document is not witnessed. Does that make it invalid? Provide a rationale.

(Marked out of 2.0)

/ 2

Total Score: 0 / 10

Percentage: 0%