2) Mechanical Ventilation
This life-sustaining measure involves the use of a machine that takes over a person's ventilation in the event that he or she is incapable of spontaneous breathing. Reflect about when, if and for how long you would like to be attached to a mechanical ventilator.
You should also take your prognosis and condition into account, and whether or not it would matter to you if the doctors have high hopes about your recovery.
3) Hydration and Nutritional Assistance
These life-prolonging measures provide the body with much needed fluids and nutrients intravenously or through a nasogastric tube (NGT). Come to a decision about when, if and for how long you would like to receive sustenance in this manner.
4) Dialysis
In case of renal failure, this medical procedure gets rid of toxic wastes from your blood and controls fluid levels in your body. Decide on when, if and for how long you would like to accept this treatment.
5) End-of-life Care
Examples of treatment that fall under this category include the administration of painkillers, antibiotics, and mechanical ventilation. You should also determine whether you would like to receive these palliative measures even when death is imminent.
In general, these medical interventions can provide help in temporary situations wherein recovery is possible. However, in end-of-life stages, such measures could only add further discomfort and prolong the dying process.
A lot of conditions may fall someplace in between, where the odds of recuperation is unknown. These circumstances are often difficult to deal with. When living wills are present, however, these problematical situations are made a lot easier.
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