Ethical Considerations in End-of-Life Care
Learning Objectives
Identify airway management options for withdrawal of mechanical ventilation, including terminal extubation and terminal ventilator weaning, and the equipment considerations associated with each
Explain how patient comfort, airway patency, and family interaction influence decisions regarding endotracheal tube removal versus gradual ventilator weaning at end of life
Apply appropriate preparation of airway equipment, ventilator settings, and pharmacologic support to ensure patient comfort during withdrawal of ventilatory support
Analyze respiratory distress, airway obstruction, and signs of discomfort during ventilator withdrawal to guide timely adjustments in sedation and airway management
Evaluate the risks and benefits of airway removal, continued ventilation, and sedation strategies in end‑of‑life scenarios to support patient dignity and safety
Author(s)
Robert Truog, MD
Executive Director, Institute for Professionalism and Ethical Practice; Senior Associate in Critical Care Medicine and Perioperative Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine | Boston Children's Hospital
Frances Glessner Lee Professor of Legal Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics Anaesthesia | Harvard Medical School
Traci Wolbrink, MD, MPH
Senior Associate, Critical Care Medicine | Boston Children's Hospital
Associate Professor of Anesthesia | Harvard Medical School
Burns JP
Citation
Truog R, Wolbrink TA, Burns JP. Ethical Considerations in End-of-Life Care. 9/2013. Online Video. OPENPediatrics. https://learn.openpediatrics.org/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/3078/ethical-considerations-in-end-of-life-care.