Even Patients with Advanced Illness Have REVERSIBLE Medical Problems

Here is a great short case study and reminder that even among people with advanced illnesses, it is often reasonable to treat reversible medical problems.



Even if the patient has previously completed a POLST or advance directive declining aggressive interventions, it might be appropriate to discuss addressing problems like UTIs, especially if the treatment is not too burdensome and there is a good chance of recovery.  The author concludes that it is often reasonable to try a time-limited trial of more intensive treatment, with a plan to reassess within a day or two.