“We agreed we would both die”: Navigating Ethical Complexities in Suicide Attempts in Older Adults

Mr. Smith was an 80-year-old man admitted to the inpatient medicine service following a suicide attempt by ingestion of an unknown amount of hydrocodone-acetaminophen and alcohol. The patient was transported by ambulance, accompanied by his daughter. His daughter was also his appointed medical power of attorney and had a copy of the patient's advance directive, where he had indicated his wish not to be resuscitated (DNR) in case of a life-threatening emergency.Soon after his arrival to the hospital, a dramatic series of events unfolded.
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: research