16th February 2025

A 96-year-old woman is on your ward. She was admitted from a nursing home with a chest infection

A 96-year-old woman is on your ward. She was admitted from a nursing home with a chest infection, and despite multiple courses of antibiotics, she has remained unwell. After discussions between the medical team, palliative care team and her family, focus has been switched to comfort care. The nursing staff are no longer measuring her vital signs but are observing her regularly to ensure she is comfortable. Her son has come to visit and is asking the staff angrily why they have taken away her oxygen as she came in with a chest infection. From the end of the bed she is showing no signs of respiratory distress. What is the most appropriate response?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.