In the context of palliative care, which intervention should the nurse withhold?

In palliative care, the primary focus is on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, prioritizing comfort and quality of life over curative treatment. Intubation with mechanical ventilation is typically considered a life-sustaining intervention aimed at prolonging life in patients who are experiencing respiratory failure. However, in a palliative care setting, such interventions are generally withheld because they may not align with the patient's goals and preferences regarding end-of-life care.

The emphasis in palliative care is to manage symptoms effectively, such as chronic pain or shortness of breath, using the most comfortable and least invasive measures. Around-the-clock pain medication and bronchodilators for managing shortness of breath are appropriate and supportive treatments that enhance patient comfort. Likewise, allowing a regular diet as tolerated supports the patient's nutritional needs without imposing unnecessary distress. Therefore, withholding intubation with mechanical ventilation is consistent with the principles of palliative care, which prioritize comfort and dignity for individuals facing life-limiting conditions.