Withdrawal of nutritional support: a family's choice.

: Facilitating the death of a loved one through the withdrawal of nutritional support is a difficult choice. This case study illustrates the ethical principles used by a family and a health team during the decision to terminate tube feeding and hydration for a patient. Patient autonomy, beneficence, justice, and professional integrity are discussed. Also addressed are use of ordinary versus extraordinary means of treatment, futility of treatment, and quality of life. Nursing interventions used to assist the family with their fears and concerns during the decision-making process, and eventually the dying process, of their husband and father are described.