Abstract

GONZALEZ, Graciela A  and  RAINIERI, Maria Daniela. Approach to Nutritional Support from a Bioethical point of view: All technically possible, is ethically admissible?. Diaeta [online]. 2014, vol.32, n.147, pp.07-15. ISSN 1852-7337.

Introduction: The decision on the administration, no introduction or withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydratation (NHA) in limit clinical situations is a source of ethical dilemmas. Objective: To develop an approach to bioethical debate on NHA in Persistent Vegetative State patients with advanced dementia and terminally ill; to analyze the values that can most often be in conflict ; to analyze the process of decision-making on administration, no introduction or withdrawal of NHA ; to highlight the role of the Bachelor of Nutrition in this process. Development: There are mixed views with respect to the value of life and the consideration of the NHA as basic care or medical treatment ; the benefits, risks and objective and subjective costs of the NHA , and the consequent assessment of their utility / futility ; and the values of the people involved. The competent patient has the right to decide about his/her own treatment . The Bachelor of Nutrition can play an invaluable role in the deliberative process of bioethical decision-making in these cases. Conclusions: The debate on ethical dilemmas involving the NHA in limit clinical situations can be uncomfortable, but should be inescapable. The Bachelors of Nutrition are able to offer a distinctive point of view , and so they can and should be able to actively promote and participate in the deliberative decision-making process.

Keywords : Nutritional support; Bioethics; Decision-making.

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