Slides - University of Utah - School of Medicine

PEG ethics con.
•! What about hunger/thirst?
–! majority of patients (up to 63%) never experience hunger or thirst
–! If occur usually transient, relieved easily with minimal intake.
•! Hand feeding important to social interaction
–! touch, taste, nurturing, and the
–! PEG’s may require physical restraints may lead to distress, agitation,
and the need for sedation
–! Hand feeding often difficult, time consuming
•! QOL family, relatives, and caregivers improves with
gastrostomy placement
–! Unable to measure QOL in demented pt’s
–! Some nursing homes require PEG