Feeding Tubes

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the controversy regarding the use of feeding tubes at the end of life for terminal patients. The author presents the research from a nursing perspective. Additionally, the paper considers the questions of whether prolonging life with a feeding tube is in the best interest of the patient. The author includes an extensive literature review with regards to patients with dementia, cancer and other end of life issues and reviews what has been concluded about using feeding tubes at this stage. The writer also touches on the issue of living wills.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
References

From the Paper:

"The past few years have seen many controversial stories played out in the news regarding end of life feeding tubes and their use. Society lines up on both sides of the issue and hotly debate whether or not using a feeding tube at the end of one's life is something that should be done even if the patient is not capable of consenting. Meanwhile patients all over the nation languish between the two sides of the debate with their families trying to make the most humane and compassionate decision regarding the placement of a feeding tube into their loved one. Many studies have been conducted regarding the use of a feeding tube on a patient who is at the end of life with differing results. With a small risk in the actual placement of the tube the question centers around whether prolonging life with a feeding tube is really in the best interest of the patient. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Funicane, Thomas (2001) A Review of the Evidence The American Geriatric Society.
• Lebovitz, Lubert, A. Habot (2003) Attitudes of Relatives and Nursing Staff Toward Tube feeding in the Severely Dementia Patients. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias.
• Ersek, Mary PhD RN (2003) Artificial Nutrition and Hydration. The Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing.

More papers on Feeding Tubes:

• Analytical Essay # 140700 : "Ethical Issues With Feeding Tubes"
• Term Paper # 142153 : "Enteral Tube Feeding"
• Analytical Essay # 140793 : "The Issue of the G-tube as Technology"

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