Withholding care vs Withdrawing care
How to tell Withholding care and Withdrawing care apart when a board question makes them look alike.
Withholding is not starting; withdrawing is stopping, and ethically they are treated similarly when aligned with patient goals.
Side by side
Withholding care means not starting a treatment that is not wanted or not medically appropriate.
Withdrawing care means stopping an already-started treatment when consistent with patient wishes or goals of care.
Withholding care means not starting a treatment that is not wanted or not medically appropriate.
Withdrawing care means stopping an already-started treatment when consistent with patient wishes or goals of care.
The repair move
Before naming the answer, force the stem through the separator: Withholding is not starting; withdrawing is stopping, and ethically they are treated similarly when aligned with patient goals.
Try a free question
CoreA terminally ill patient with metastatic cancer states he does NOT want to begin mechanical ventilation if his pneumonia progresses. The medical team respects his wishes and does not initiate ventilation when needed. Which action is this?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Withholding care (not starting treatment). WITHHOLDING care = not starting a treatment that is not wanted or not medically appropriate. Ethically and legally equivalent to WITHDRAWING care (stopping an already-started treatment). Both are permitted in US medical practice when consistent with patient wishes (autonomy) or when the treatment is medically futile.
Why the other choices are tempting
- B. Withdrawing care = stopping an already-started treatment.
- C. Active euthanasia is direct administration of lethal agent.
- D. Medical futility is a separate concept (no medical benefit).
- E. Hospice is a care setting for end-of-life, not a single decision.
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it.
What clue supports Withholding care?
Choose Withholding care when the stem gives this pattern: Withholding care means not starting a treatment that is not wanted or not medically appropriate.
What clue supports Withdrawing care?
Choose Withdrawing care when the stem gives this contrasting pattern: Withdrawing care means stopping an already-started treatment when consistent with patient wishes or goals of care.
Quick answers
What is the fastest way to tell Withholding care from Withdrawing care?
Withholding is not starting; withdrawing is stopping, and ethically they are treated similarly when aligned with patient goals.
What is the key clue for Withholding care?
Withholding care means not starting a treatment that is not wanted or not medically appropriate.
What is the key clue for Withdrawing care?
Withdrawing care means stopping an already-started treatment when consistent with patient wishes or goals of care.