Misguided good intentions.
A 3-day-old infant unexpectedly developed cardiopulmonary arrest at home. A resuscitation process was initiated and the infant was transported to a nearby community hospital where a highly respected senior pediatrician assumed responsibility for the prolonged resuscitation. Following cessation of aggressive support measures, the infant resumed gasping/respiratory efforts. The pediatrician admitted to occluding the infant's nose and mouth just before death. Several of the important medical issues and ethical distinctions are discussed.
Woodrum
David E
DE
Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6320, USA.
McCormick
Thomas R
TR
D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013727:Terminal Care