Pros and Cons of Life‑Sustaining Treatment and Artificial Nutrition and Fluid Feeding

Respiratory distress, insufficient blood oxygen

Provide sufficient oxygen, keep airway clear, facilitate suction

Extreme discomfort, inability to speak, long-term infection risk, altered external appearance

When the heart stops beating

Keep the heart continuously pumping blood to the brain and other organs

Pain, rib fractures

When the heart stops beating

Give the stopped heart a chance to regain a spontaneous rhythm

Pain, tingling sensation, skin burns

When the heart stops and respiratory failure occurs

Use the ventilator to continuously deliver oxygen to the lungs

Concerns about long-term use

Cardiopulmonary failure, when blood cannot circulate in the body

Equivalent to an artificial heart‑lung machine, assists blood circulation, maintains organ function

Temporarily cannot cure the root cause, not suitable for long-term use, prone to infection

When kidney failure occurs

Substitute for failed kidneys to maintain body functions

Uncomfortable, e.g., low blood pressure, dizziness; prone to infection; time‑consuming

When red blood cell count is low

Supplement hemoglobin or platelets to normalize blood function

Excess fluid adds burden to the body, causing edema and similar conditions

When bacterial infection occurs

Inhibit bacteria

Adverse side effects

Excess fluid increases bodily burden, causing edema and other conditions

Discomfort, altered external appearance, inability to enjoy eating, requires regular replacement, long‑term placement may cause infection or pressure ulcers

Discomfort, altered external appearance, abdominal wound care, severe wound may cause skin irritation due to leakage