When Do We Let the Patient Die?
Authors: J. R. E.
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1968)

Editorials1 March 1968When Do We Let the Patient Die?J. R. E.J. R. E.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-68-3-695 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptThe doctor has always had to make decisions about his patient who is threatened with death. Until recently, such decisions have been less crucial because he has had relatively little power to bring to bear on the issue. Now, for at least some of his patients, new knowledge and its tools—antibiotics, potent drugs, intravenous fluids, resuscitation apparatus, artificial and transplanted organs—enter into the decisions that affect the time and nature of the act of dying. In his efforts to preserve life and restore health, the physician sometimes may fail to give enough consideration to his other obligation, namely, to relieve...References1. 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Huth, MD, Editor EmeritusDying and death, with special reference to brain death. A bibliographyStopping Life-Sustaining Medical Treatment: Psychiatric Considerations in the Termination of Renal DialysisMedizinische Extremsituationen und der sterbende PatientScience, Technology, and Some Dilemmas of AdvocacyThe Literature of Ethical Problems in Medicine—Part 3 1 March 1968Volume 68, Issue 3Page: 695-700KeywordsDrugsResuscitation Issue Published: 1 March 1968 PDF downloadLoading ...