A 75-year-old female with advanced metastatic cancer is admitted with pneumonia. She is alert, oriented, and repeatedly states, "I do not want any aggressive treatments or to be intubated. I just want to be comfortable." Her son insists that "everything must be done to save her, no matter what." What is the MOST ethically appropriate approach for the medical team?

The correct answer to the question "A 75-year-old female with advanced metastatic cancer is admitted with pneumonia. She is alert, oriented, and repeatedly states, "I do not want any aggressive treatments or to be intubated. I just want to be comfortable." Her son insists that "everything must be done to save her, no matter what." What is the MOST ethically appropriate approach for the medical team?" is Option C: Honor the patient's clearly expressed wishes, as she has decisional capacity.

The other options — A) Follow the son's wishes, as he is the closest family member, B) Proceed with aggressive treatments as per the son's request, while attempting to mediate, D) Obtain a court order to determine who has medical decision-making authority — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: When a patient possesses decisional capacity, their autonomous choices regarding their medical care must be respected, even if family members disagree. Patient autonomy is a paramount ethical princip…