Care in the last days of life — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10)

A four-year-old with progressive metastatic solid tumour is now bed-bound, taking only sips, with irregular breathing and increasing periods of unresponsiveness. The family wish to remain at home if symptoms can be controlled. ^{[1] [2]}

a) Define the core problem in one sentence and state the governing ethical standard. (3 marks) ^[1]

b) Outline the classification axes you would use and why they change management. (3 marks) ^{[1] [2]}

c) List the red flags that would force senior, ethics or court escalation. (2 marks) ^[1]

d) Document the key elements you would write in the clinical record after the family meeting. (2 marks) ^[2]