Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Ethical, Scientific, and Legal Perspectives

Recorded On: 10/20/2021

The passing of a loved one is often wrought with emotions for family and friends. Providing artificial nutrition is often more for the family than for the dying patient. Medical ethics, legal precedent, and case law address the withholding or termination of artificial nutrition and hydration to honor the patient’s wishes and to allow them to die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly in accordance with their cultural and/or religious beliefs. This session will discuss the difference between prolonging life versus prolonging death and provide guidance for ethical decision making regarding artificial nutrition and hydration.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

A.  Define medical ethics/bioethics.

B.  Discuss legal precedent and case law regarding withdrawing or withholding artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH).

C.  Review the physiology of starvation and dehydration at end of life.

D. Cite examples of specific cultural and religious considerations related to ANH.

E.  Identify an ethical framework to guide decision making/discussions related to ANH at end of life.

Felicia Schaps, MSN-Ed, RN, CRNI®, OCN®, CNSC, lgCN, VA-BC

Felicia Schaps has been a nurse for over 35 years with the majority of her experience in home infusion. She has been a field nurse, a nurse manager, a VP of nursing, and a branch general manager. Felicia holds a master’s degree in nursing with a focus in education, and also has board certifications in infusion nursing, oncology nursing, nutrition, immunoglobulin nursing, and vascular access. 

CRNI® RUs: This session has been approved for 2 CRNI® recertification unit and meets the non INS Meeting criteria.

Contact Hours: This session has been approved for 1 contact hour

Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: October 20, 2024

To receive contact hours for this educational activity, you are required to attend the entire educational activity and complete the evaluation.

The Infusion Nurses Society is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14209. The certificate must be retained by the attendee for a period of 4 years.

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Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Ethical, Scientific, and Legal Perspectives
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