In a case where a mother requests to withhold CPR for her 6-year-old child due to terminal illness, what should be the response?

In this scenario, honoring the mother’s wishes to withhold CPR for her terminally ill child is appropriate due to several important considerations in medical ethics and patient autonomy. The principle of respect for the wishes of a legal guardian is paramount, particularly in situations involving pediatric patients where the parent or guardian is acting on the best interests of the child.

In cases of terminal illness, families often make difficult decisions regarding the extent and type of medical interventions. The mother’s request is likely informed by her understanding of the child’s health status and prognosis, as well as her knowledge of the potential for suffering that might accompany resuscitative efforts. Thus, respecting her decision not to pursue aggressive measures like CPR aligns with compassionate care.

Moreover, legal and ethical guidelines support the need for paramedics to consider advance directives and the preferences of guardians, especially in situations where interventions would not yield a meaningful benefit to the patient. By honoring the mother’s wishes, healthcare providers uphold the values of dignity and respect for the family’s wishes in end-of-life situations.

Although consultation with medical control or shifting to comfort care are also options in some scenarios, the fundamental principle in this case is the parental authority over healthcare decisions for their child, particularly in the context of a terminal condition.