Drowsy and combative do not go hand in hand. In my heart, I'm opposed to euthanasia, and so this statement jumps out at me, as coming from someone who is just a little too eager for a reason to let the woman die.
I agree. Claiming that the insertion of a feeding tube should be prevented because it is “futile care” is ridiculous.
I am also alarmed at the idea that Medicare/Medicaid patients are labeled unable to pay. All seniors would fall into this category. If doctors are less likely to consider treatment for those who are unable to pay, and this includes medicare, we are all in trouble when we hit 65.
I saw a patient with an increase in his dementia a couple of months ago. You could have described him as “drowsy and combative.” When we tried to feed him, he’d holler and threaten to hit us with his fist. Otherwise, he’d just doze off.
In fact, I’ve seen a lot of dementia and delirium patients who could be described that way.
However, the lady in the story had pneumonia and other problems, as well.
What I don’t understand is the dehydration - unless she left the hospital without an IV.